Isildur Read online

  "Their commander heard my request and was eager to help us in our cause, but his garrison has been at but half strength since the muster for the Army of the Alliance, and he feared to further weaken his forces. Nonetheless, he detached forty bold horsemen, all volunteers under Thardun here, to ride with us, though he feared the loss would leave him unable to send out patrols as had been his wont. And so we rode with but forty where we had hoped for four hundred. Yet it was a greater aid than I had at first thought, for they saved us all a week later at Anglond, as I shall tell." He gestured to a powerfully built man in armor much scored and dinted by many blows, who bowed respectfully to the king.

  "With Thardun's men we then rode from Angrenost at the source of the River Anga to Anglond at its mouth, a distance of well over a hundred leagues. Again we were well received. Their lord offered us three hundred of his bravest knights and others there were who begged to join us. But before we could depart a fleet of black ships appeared from the sea and fell upon the outlying farms. The people fled in terror for the safety of the city walls, but many there were who were cut down in their flight. Perceiving the attack from afar, we sallied forth to protect the people. We expected to meet a band of savage sea raiders, bent only upon pillage and plunder, but we met instead a well-armed, well-commanded force of the knights of Umbar. They were formed up into orderly columns and were advancing purposely across the lands, slaying all before them — man, beast, and crop. Every house and barn was burnt, the wells befouled. It was as if they sought to destroy Anglond and all its works utterly.

  "We came against them though we were greatly outnumbered, and bravely did the men of Anglond and Angrenost fight. In the heat of the battle I was struck by a spear that was turned by my armor but unseated me from my horse. If not for Thardun and his strong sword arm, my head would now be swinging at the masthead of a galley on its way to Umbar. With his aid I was able to remount and we fell back within the city walls, though many fell without.

  "For two weeks we were besieged there while the Corsairs ruined all the lands beyond the walls. The situation was grave, for our supplies were rapidly diminishing, and I could but count the days until we were due to be here at this council. Still, there seemed to be nothing we could do, for we were too few to attempt another sortie against so many.

  "Then one day another Corsair galley came up the river and a party of men went to the tent where the leaders of the raid were headquartered. An hour later, all the raiders suddenly struck their tents, returned to their ships, and sailed away.

  "We could imagine no reason for their withdrawal and suspected some trick or deception. But at last we ventured out. The Corsairs were gone, leaving nothing of use or value in the entire land thereabout. We did what we could to assist the people of Anglond, but then we were forced by the calendar to depart. We had ridden to Anglond in hopes of greatly increasing our numbers, but we left with our numbers sadly diminished. Now, more than a week behind our schedule, we hurried south to Anfalas, where we hoped to at last find many warriors ready to join us. Alas, worse was to come.

  "While passing through the green hills of Pinnath Gelin, nigh to the River Lefnui, we came upon a handful of survivors of a Corsair raid on the city of Ethir Lefnui. That city, much smaller and more lightly defended than Anglond, could do little to defend itself and in but a few hours was reduced to smoking rubble, nearly all of its people slain."

  Several in the hall had not yet heard this news, and many gasped in horror and anger. There were growls and oaths of revenge.

  "Then it was clear that the Corsairs had withdrawn from Anglond only to fall on Lefnui," Isildur continued. "It was our thought that the solitary galley had brought orders to the raiders, directing them to Lefnui rather than spend any more time besieging Anglond to little profit. We believe that some hints or suspicions of our plans may have already reached the enemy, and that he is purposely moving to thwart us. The innocent people of Ethir Lefnui paid with their lives for that suspicion. Turgon here leads what remains of that people." All eyes turned in wonder and pity to the grim-faced chief who had borne so much. He stood and looked upon them.

  "That which was Ethir Lefnui is no more," he said, "save as a fair memory forever darkened and poisoned in our minds. When last the sun rose to her greatest height at midsummer, more than a thousand people danced in the streets of Lefnui to celebrate Loëndë. Now we are but thirty, and there will be no more celebrations for us, unless it be to dance upon the ruins of the Barad-dûr." And he sat down to silence.

  Cirdan, who sat next to Amroth, leaned close and murmured in his ear, "Woe to the foe that meets that one in battle, for he seeks only revenge and he does not fear death."

  Amroth nodded. "He is one Man who might agree that death is the Gift of Men."

  Isildur then continued his tale. "We journeyed then to Erech in the southern vales of the Ered Nimrais. We met there with Romach, Lord of the Eredrim. When my father and I discussed our prospects in the western and southern provinces, we had the greatest hopes for the Eredrim, for they are a numerous and formerly warlike people, and they long before swore to me a solemn oath of mutual aid. Though they tend to be reclusive and keep to their own valleys, still they have for many years been allies and friends to Gondor.

  "But Romach was evasive and asked for time to make a decision. Soon enough we learned why, for the following day there arrived at Erech an emissary from Umbar."

  "What?" came several voices at once. "The Corsairs openly treat with the Eredrim? They should have been seized for their crimes!"

  Isildur's voice grew harder still. "It was with regret that we were forced to honor their flag of truce, especially as I thought it most likely that their emissary was the same that had ordered the attack on Ethir Lefnui. Malithôr is his name, but I called him the Mouth of Sauron, for though he pretends to speak for his Emperor Herumor, his thoughts and his speech are but the will of the Dark Lord.

  "I warned Romach against his threats, but Romach is grown fearful and cautious in his old age, and he would not side with us. I think in the end he thought he would rather have Gondor as a betrayed ally than Umbar, for he knows we will not attack him for it.

  "And so when I sounded my horn and called them to the aid of Gondor, they broke their oath and hid their faces from me. But Romach's cowardly cunning did not avail him, for I called upon my own not inconsiderable powers and laid a doom upon him and all his people. They shall remain undisturbed in their remote valleys as they wish, but they shall neither increase nor flourish. Their line shall wither and fade and their settlements and their works shall fall into disuse and ruin. They shall never find rest, neither in this life nor after it, until they fulfill their oath and answer the call of my horn."

  The hall remained silent, in awe and horror at this doom. Amroth studied Isildur in surprise. He could not say if Isildur had such power, but he looked so grim and determined that he doubted him not. He whispered to Elrond beside him. "These Dúnedain seem to wield powers greater than many an Elf a hundred times older. We Quendi tend to think of Men as our younger brothers, but there may come a time when they rival or even exceed us."

  Elrond must have been thinking much the same thoughts, for he whispered back, "With allies such as Isildur, perhaps we shall indeed prevail against the enemy."

  While they were thus engaged with their thoughts, Isildur had gone on to relate the tale of the council at Pelargir and his return to Osgiliath. When he was finished he called upon Cirdan, who told of his voyage, the storm at sea, their mad race up Anduin, and the battle at Pelargir. Since Amroth had taken part in these adventures, he was giving only half an ear as he scanned the faces in the hall. But then Cirdan said something that caught his attention.

  "And near the end of the battle," Cirdan was saying, "when it was clear that the Corsairs could not have the victory, one galley broke free and dashed for the eastern shore. We pursued it and caught it, but not before one of their officers took to a great black horse and escaped. Of all the men of Umbar
in that fleet, I believe he is the only one to escape alive."

  "Lord Isildur," said Amroth. "You told of an emissary from Umbar that came to Erech. What was his name?"

  "Malithôr."

  "And what his likeness?"

  "Very tall and dark, with a long face and a nose hooked like a hawk's."

  "It is the same man!" exclaimed Amroth. "Our eyes met as his galley swept past ours. Such a face, and such a look of hatred upon it. I would know him anywhere."

  "Which way did he ride?" asked Isildur sharply.

  "East and north, toward Mordor, my lord. We noted it at the time."

  "Returning to his true master, no doubt," said Isildur. "Would you had caught him. Our entire enterprise depends on surprise. If he has learned or guessed our plans and bears them to Sauron, we have but little hope of success."

  "Then we must move swiftly," said Galadriel, speaking for the first time. All turned at the sound of her voice, like water falling in a fountain on a still night.

  "I would urge the greatest possible haste," she continued. "We have heard the reasons for this council and how we have been gathered here. This Malithôr threatens Gil-galad's plan, root and leaf. Our only hope is to strike before he can reach the Barad-dûr. What would you have us do, Isildur?"

  Isildur nodded. "All our tales are told. Now is the time for us to fulfill our part of the final acts of the war. The Lords of the West bid us to cross the Anduin and assail Minas Ithil using all the weapons at our disposal. Our task is to strike swiftly and rout the foul carrion things that now rule the Tower of the Moon before they can send to the Barad-dûr for aid. We are to secure the city as quickly as possible, then drive east without delay to join him in Gorgoroth. We have reason to believe that Sauron will soon perceive that the city has been attacked. He will be compelled to come forth to attack us. Gil-galad and Elendil will do all they can to stop him when he issues from his Tower. If fortune is on our side, they will have bested him before we arrive. If not, we will be there to finish him. This is my charge by my king and father. I will fulfill my duty, if I have to ride alone. But most of you are not subjects of Elendil. You are not compelled and must choose. I ask you all, will you ride with me?"

  Turgon leaped to his feet. "My king, if you go to assail Mordor, to the death would I follow you!"

  "So say also the men of Pelargir, my lord," said Barathor. "The Enemy tried to destroy our city. We are eager to return the compliment."

  "The men of Angrenost," said Thardun, "will always serve our king, through both duty and love."

  "We too serve our king," said Cirdan, "for Gil-galad has ruled us since the world was changed, and always we have fought against evil. We will do as he bids."

  "The Galadrim," said Celeborn, "also recognize Gil-galad as High King of the Exiles. We will not shirk our duty."

  "My lord Isildur," said Súrion, "the men of Cair Andros will also serve you."

  "And of the Harlond," shouted Halgon.

  "And Linhir!" "And Calembel!" "And Emyn Arnen!" "And Minas Anor!" Then all were shouting, calling out their support. Isildur stood smiling at them. Gradually the shouting ceased.

  "My friends, my heart is moved by your loyalty and trust. We have a difficult task before us. I have sworn to slay Sauron and throw his Tower into the abyss. But now with your help we will surely have the victory at last and I will fulfill that oath."

  Then a great cheer broke out from many throats: "Isildur! Isildur! Isildur!" There were also many shouts of "Elendil!" and "Gil-galad!" Isildur acknowledged the cheers with a smile, but then he raised his hand for quiet.

  "My friends," he shouted, "with such allies, how can we fail? We are armed and ready. We should move as soon as possible."

  "A moment, Isildur," said Galadriel, rising, her soft voice cutting through the many voices in the room. "One more tale needs to be told here today. If these good folk are risking their all to fight with us, they should be aware of all the forces that will enter the field. Do you not agree?"

  Isildur's smile faded. He looked at her seriously, then at the watching faces.

  "Aye, my lady, it is meet. The time for secrecy is now past. Will you tell the tale, since you know it best?"

  She bowed gracefully in acceptance, then turned to the hall. "My friends," she began, "what I will now relate is known to many of the Elves here but probably to few of the others. The tale begins long ago, but if you will bear with me, I think you will see that it has great import to our enterprise now.

  "Long ago as Men reckon the years, in Ost-in-Edhil, the city of the Elves of Eregion which is no more, one of the greatest of all the Noldorin smiths, Celebrimbor son of Curufin, labored at his forge. After many yén, he found a way of forging gold and incorporating into the metal the powers of the great Eldarin arts, those with which we create and maintain the wonderful beauties that surround us in our own realms and which remind us of our home in the immortal lands across the sea. These are arts only partially understood even by those of us who practice them. Most Men call them magic. Celebrimbor discovered the means of distilling the essence of these powers and mixing it with the molten metal. With this process, Celebrimbor forged many rings of power, rings which gave their bearers the power to alter the world around them. With each ring, his skill increased, until he created the greatest of all, the Three Great Rings: Nenya, Narya, and Vilya.

  "Using the Three, the Noldor built many fair places in Middle-earth and imparted them with some of the eternal beauty of Valinor. Great works were done and much good was accomplished. Many places fouled by Morgoth in the Elder Days were cleansed and made fair again. But always Celebrimbor sought to make even greater rings to accomplish even more.

  "Celebrimbor sought also for other great smiths with whom he could share his knowledge and from whom he could learn and improve his skills. Many master smiths came to his workshops and foundries in Eregion. The dwarves of nearby Khazad-dûm especially sent many to learn from him.

  "Then one day a strange figure appeared at Celebrimbor's foundry. He gave his name as Annatar, which means Lord of Gifts, and he was a great smith in his own right. He became Celebrimbor's ablest student and chief assistant, then his colleague, for his skills were nearly equal to the master's. Together they worked in the smithy, day and night, year after year, their skills always increasing. Together they forged other Great Rings designed especially for the use of Men and Dwarves, as the Three were for Elves, and Celebrimbor gave them freely to the kings of those races, that they might use them for the good of their peoples.

  "Then one day Annatar could not be found. He had left without a word, and none knew whence he had gone or why. Celebrimbor was much affected, for he felt that Annatar was close to achieving great success, even beyond his own. Then a few months later, Celebrimbor in a dream suddenly perceived his former student surrounded by flame. He was holding up a plain gold ring, his face transformed by triumph into a twisted mask of evil. Annatar held up the ring and spoke a dire spell. Though the language was harsh and horrible, Celebrimbor understood its meaning: 'One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them!' Then Celebrimbor knew Annatar's mind and will, and all his treachery was revealed at last.

  "Then he knew his former student to be Gorthaur, called also Sauron the Enemy, who had been Morgoth's most powerful servant — a Maia from the origins of days, but turned entirely to evil. All had thought him lost in the downfall of Thangorodrim when the world was changed. And Celebrimbor knew also in that terrible moment that Sauron had succeeded in his desire to forge a Great Ring of Power. Working in the Sammath Naur, the Chambers of Fire within the volcano Orodruin in Mordor, he had forged a ring not only more powerful than the Three, for it contained much of his own great powers, but it gave him the ability to perceive the minds and doings of those who bore the other rings. Like a fisherman drawing in a net, the One could draw to it those who wielded the other Great Rings.

  "Horrified, Celebrimbor immediately sent the
Three into hiding and forbade their use. They were sent far away, for he knew that when Sauron learned that his betrayal was known he would attack Eregion to acquire the Three by force. And so it came to pass. Eregion was attacked and Celebrimbor himself fell in its defense. I am sure you all know of the war which followed, in which Eregion was destroyed and all of Eriador overrun, though all of us Exiles fought in its defense. We were hard-pressed even to defend Lindon itself, and we sought the aid of Tar-Minastir, mighty king of the Men of Númenor. He came with thousands of great ships full of warriors and together we swept across Middle-earth, driving the hosts of Sauron before us. Sauron fled into the east and was not seen again for many long yén. In the end he got his revenge upon Númenor by tricking its king Ar-Pharazôn into assailing Valinor, and all the land of Númenor was destroyed, though Sauron himself nearly perished in the deed.

  "Now he is risen once more, and still he bears the One Ring, seeking always for the other Great Rings. Of the Seven given to the Dwarves, some were consumed by dragons, but the others have all been drawn at last to Sauron and their owners slain. Of the Nine given to the kings of Men, all are now in his power. The kings who bore them were once bold and mighty warriors, using their rings as they saw fit, some better, some worse. But one by one they were drawn to leave their own lands and ride into Mordor. We can but guess at their motives. Some no doubt sought their fortunes, others power or fame. Some perhaps in their folly even thought to contend with Sauron and bring him down, that like Beren of old they would be sung as heros. But all were brought down by their own vain pride and found only eternal slavery in Sauron's service.They are become undead things, living long past the normal span of years given to men, but they no longer are their own masters, for they are now Sauron's most powerful slaves. They are the Úlairi, that now rule in Minas Ithil."

  There was murmuring in the hall at this.

  "My Lady," said Barathor. "If we are to face these Úlairi we must know our enemy. What manner of powers do their rings give them?"