Tharbad

[Telcontar]

Celdrahil strode lordly into the hall of the Steward of Tharbad and stopped before the seat of the city's lord.

"Lord of the House, I, a traveling son of Númenor, and scion of the Elendili, seeks hospitality within your home and city so that within its walls we may speak of the light of the west and lessen the burden of our exile here in Middle-earth. I am Celdrahil of Ithilien, soldier of Gondor."

The knight bowed and waited to be recognized by the master of the city.

[tomcat]

Hamad looked at the man walking towards him and took another pull from his drink, as he listened to his introduction. His eyes bent down to the Dwarf with a smile and he whispered behind his cup, "That was a mouthful."

The Steward lowered the drink and smiled at the two new arrivals and then raised the cup again in salute, "You are welcome in my home. I have just had the good opportunity to meet your companions, although your name rings familiar. Did you not pass through Tharbad, not long ago?"

[Telcontar]

Celdrahil rose.

"Indeed Lord I did. Last year before heading north to meet with my kin in Fornost I passed this way though we did not meet in person. I had asked your leave to examine the docks and quays of the city at the time. Having now completed my journey north I will say now with certainty it will be the river that will link this city with the kingdoms to the north and south, for the road is now to long and arduous for commerce. That however is a tale for another time."

"I come to report what my friends here have already perhaps told you. The outlying peoples are under attack from men who keep the company of orcs. They have defended themselves stoughtly and I have pledged myself to aid them. Even now they plan and seek to take the initiative, but they do so in isolation. This is a threat to the whole city, yet those of the villages and towns along the river are seemingly fighting alone."

[Stefan]

Nain smirked at the stewards comment but covered it and the chuckle that needed to be stifled into his own cup.

[tomcat]

Hamad could only give a grim nod of understanding, "It shames me to say that I am only finding out now that they have been attacked, and so close to my walls. It seems my captains of the guard have conspired only to bring tidings that affect the city directly - not our wards beyond. I have heard of this Gibbet King in rumours only, but now I see that he is a true threat."

The lord of Tharbad motioned to seats for Celdrahil and Dirnhael to take and had his steward bring them wine. He continued, "The gates of our city are not shut to those outside, lest they be evil-doers in their own right, but still the people stay where they are. The fear of this sickness keeps them out, for I hear that rumours speak of wild infestations within our walls. It has been said that whole sub-divisions of the city are naught but dying and diseased. Although this be partially true, as I have cordoned off an area where those that suffer are to stay, it is not rampant throughout Tharbad. In truth, city blocks are empty because people have just left and our population dwindles.

"So, if the people outside of the city will not come within for safety and would defy this Gibbet King at their own doors, then let us make counsel as to how Tharbad can assist them. What methods do you now plan to meet this enemy? How great is his force? Do you know?"

[Telcontar]

Celdrahil nodded and sat at the table with the other lords.

"I assure you the Gibbet King is very real, and if the words of the people in the hinterland are to be believed seeks to ultimately conquer the city. Many speak that his agents are already present here in the city working towards his coming. More disturbing still is that the wildmen have rallied to his banner and stalk the lands in the company of orcs. He has paired the rolling tide of the orcs with Wildman raging warriors. They are brazen, fearless, strong, and were challenging to the experienced in our party while blowing through the inexperienced river folk like an autumn fire through grass. They came in boats across the river, were ultimately repulsed, but at some cost.
I spoke with the Captains and leaders of the folk about how to proceed. Currently they are engaged in preparing some defensive works to protect against land and water attacks. More importantly however they are organizing to establish a watch upon the land and sentries to alert them of bands moving on their settlements. If I may, I also have some suggestions."

The knight of Ithilien did not wait for the Lord of the City to respond before he pressed ahead.

"I am a soldier, and I will speak plainly. The folk see no aid or succor from the city, nor do they expect it to come. Few are the folk who would abandon their homesteads and the graves of their fathers, even in the utmost need. The city has always been there in their lives, but it is not a sanctuary. Should they even seek the safety of the walls to what end? Whatvwould they do here? Their skills are not those of city dwellers and they would be preyed upon as cheap manual labor and extorted for living space in rents and fees. The population of the city will not grow from these folk Lord. They will remain where they are and prosper or be ground into the dust of Cardolan. You can however provide them with aid and establish the city as an ally. My friend Nain here has all of the traits of his folk. With a small party of men from the city and his knowledge you could quickly aid them in preparing their defenses. This would cost you nothing in lives or resources except for time and sweat. In addition, perhaps sparing a few men of the guard, or even those who have retired and drawn pensions to provide rudimentary instruction in the ways and techniques of war would be of immense value. They are skilled as individuals, but very few know the manner of fighting in a group or how to support each position or adjacent unit. In a short time the people of the villages would be safer, see the real and legitimate aid of the city in their lives, and confront the Gibber King with a united front. In the long history of Arda ever is it the wile of the enemy to divide and reduce. The strength of men is in honor and friendship in the face of adversity.

I would hazard also that too long have you have been here in the hall and relied upon the reports and advice of your councilors. Ride through the city. See what condition it is in and speak to its people. Not the ones that your counselors allow you to see and hear, but the common man. Then go to these people and lend the aid of your people to them. Show them that the Lord of Tharbad is not concerned only of collecting the coin of taxes and shutting the door against the world, but is willing to act and fulfill even the unrequested need for aid from those he owes nothing."

[tomcat]

that was an awesome post, Tom. I will have a reply shortly - my daughter is on Nick Jr. Right now.

[tomcat]

Was the look on Hamad's face anger, or perhaps embarrassment, the Celdrahil saw when his words were spoken? He wondered.

In any case, it was fleeting as a look of resolve replaced the other. "I am finding that I am not the man that should sit upon this high seat," Hamad sighed. "I was but a swordsman of rank to my Lord Farnor, who held this seat before me. It was he that placed me here as he lie dying with fever. Now I find that what once was my duty to Tharbad has been forgotten, as I sit idle on the dias. T'was I that once walked the streets of Tharbad and saw to the people, in the name of my Lord." The man shook his head and age was now on his face. "Your words are good medicine, Celdrahil. I will heed your advice. It is time to find out what is going on outside of my own gates, and not of the city, but my very yard within."

Wine was poured again for all of those around the table. Hamad tore a loaf of bread into five shares and adorned each plate with plump, purple grapes. The servings were then distributed. "We will break our fast and then I will ride forth to the north gate to see the town that has won the day. Then it will be off to the south gate and to see what lies on our eastern shore. While we eat, tell me - what is your plan now?"

[Telcontar]

"I have not come like a bear in autumn to paw at the hive, disturb the bees, and leave. I have promised the people of the north shore to assist them in their troubles and so I extend that aid to you as well. You will not ride alone Lord Hamad when you sally forth from your hall. Once we have a good opinion of the situation, some defenses and warnings in place, then we can plan our own offensive against the self proclaimed King."

[tomcat]

Gonna read that as a "bear" instead of a "beer" - though a honey brown is a product of said hive. 



"Your aid is timely and appreciated. It begs the question... why are so many lords of Arthedain now at my door? What word came from the south to bring you here?" The companions could see that Hamad was truly curious and that no conspiracy was hidden within his inquiry.

[Telcontar]

Celdrahil spoke only one word and left it hang in the room for others to elborate if they cared to.

"Mithrandir."

[sdrotar]

Celdrahil spoke only one word and left it hang in the room for others to elborate if they cared to.

"Mithrandir."

"He has counseled me in the past; only briefly, but each time, his words have proven wise. These lands raised me, and he knew that I would wish to keep them safe, if I am able."

[tomcat]

"This name, too, I am familiar with. An old-man wanderer, yes? He has passed through Tharbad in the past but never during my Lordship. I recall my Lord Farnor speaking of him and saying that he would give counsel at times, and it was well-received. Still, the people say troubles follow him like crows." Hamad tore a piece of bread and began to chew it only to follow it moments later with the last of his wine. "Come, let us take a walk. We shall go to the walls of this city and look out to see what we can see."

The companions followed the Steward's lead and finished their own food and drink. Once done the group all walked from the hall and out into the afternoon warmth. They made their way north over the bridge and then followed the streets to the Annon Amrun - the Sunrise Gate. Hamad lead them to the top of the highest tower there, which only stood one story above the other roofs surrounding.

He pointed, "My northern watch and the road to the Fennin Dorath." The town could be seen on the horizon - smoke plumes rising, but probably now just from hearths and cooking stoves. The Steward gestured east over the river, "The confluence of the river is a great mire called the Nin-In-Eilph - a wretched land full of quicksand and other dangerous traps and creatures. You say that this is where the attack came from?"

[sdrotar]

The Steward gestured east over the river, "The confluence of the river is a great mire called the Nin-In-Eilph - a wretched land full of quicksand and other dangerous traps and creatures. You say that this is where the attack came from?"

"So it would seem," Dirnhael replied. "Wild men led the raid; they fought with a ferocity of which I have not seen in many moons. But their attack was stealthy and well-planned; I do not believe that the same men that stormed your shores were the architects of this incursion -- something else guides their hand."

[GandalfOfBorg]

As the others looked on up the river towards the site of the previous night's battle, Durgil pondered over the Gibbet King and his influence on the other side of the river.