"How was he defeated?" - Calenamath

25th- 27th March/ Gwaeron 3019, Dol Guldur

The company could still hear Nuta's high-pitched screams while they scaled down the outer walls of Dol Guldur. Calenamath navigated with care, with Thorwen still slumped over his shoulder. By the time they reached the bottom of the hill, the cloud above them was thinning, and revealing a few stubborn bright stars to light their way. They hadn't been seen for many days. The Elves took a moment to marvel at them before swiftly moving into the trees.

The remaining Galadhrim scouts, who led the way, surrounded Calenamath and Thorwen, with Bregwen and the Huscarls at the rear. The occasional sigh or soft breathing was the only sound Calenamath heard that reassured him Thorwen was still alive. As the temperature dropped, she shivered with the cold. "How far is the battle camp?" he asked one of the Galadhrim.

"It is a full day's march, Hir Cóon Nin," replied a scout.

"We need to stop. Lady Thorwen will freeze in this night air," Insisted Calenamath.

The scout glanced behind him. "It would be wise to put some distance between us and anything pursuing from the fortress first. The trees are particularly unfriendly here, but perhaps we could halt momentarily." The company surrounded Calenamath and Bregwen as they set Thorwen on the ground. He spread his cloak out on the grass before laying her upon it. Thorwen barely stirred but still shivered. They rubbed her arms and legs with the cloak to bring warmth back to her limbs. Calenamath then wrapped Thorwen tightly in the cloak, as one might swaddle a newborn babe before lifting her back onto his shoulder.

The company resumed their march and Calenamath asked the scout what had befallen Radagast. He explained that the woman in the tower had ordered him to be killed. But the Orcs had argued at first as to how to kill him before settling on hanging him from the gibbet. But as they hoisted the feeble fellow, a strangeness came over the Orcs in the courtyard and they started fighting among themselves. "My companion sliced the noose with an arrow just as some prisoners led by a couple of priests entered the courtyard. They took the Wizard's body away with them. One priest looked in our direction, signing to us that it was Haldir in disguise and that the Wizard still lived. They slipped out of the fortress unnoticed in the commotion."

Calenamath breathed a sigh of relief. Both Thorwen and Radagast were at least free of Dol Guldur. He hoped that by now, the Brown Wizard was safely recovering at the Battle Camp. The company kept a steady pace through the trees, which loomed over them menacingly. All night they marched, not daring to stop or light their lamps in case anyone was following them. But as the first rays of sun pierced the thinning clouds, the company was relieved to find themselves within the eaves of Mirkwood.

Upon exiting the forest, the company's spirits rose further as they saw a fortified encampment by the riverside in the distance. High wooden fences and watchtowers surrounded large white tents and pavilions that gleamed in the early morning sun.

Calenamath then noticed a company of grey-cloaked Galadrim in full armour exiting the encampment. Their silver helms shining brightly. They marched swiftly towards Calenamath and his companions. As the two groups approached each other, the Galadhrim halted and gave a salute. Calenamath immediately recognised the captain. "Mae Govannen, Haldir, it is good to see you again."

"Prince Calenamath, welcome to our battle camp. My Lord and Lady are waiting to receive you and Princess Anberenien in their pavilion."

"Thorwen is very sick. She needs help," replied Calenamath.

Haldir spied Thorwen on Calenamath's shoulder. "We must hurry, then. My Lady will take good care of her."

Haldir hastily led the way into the Battle Camp. Calenamath followed with Thorwen in his arms. The company approached a vast pavilion in the centre of the camp, and a tall golden-haired Elven woman, her white robes billowing behind her, strode out of the tent to meet them. Three Elven ladies, also clad in white, followed behind her. The lady Galadriel. Lord Celeborn followed close behind them, his face etched with concern.

Galadriel approached Calenamath and examined Thorwen. Lifting her eyelids and feeling for the pulse on her neck. "What have they done to you, Gracious Lady?" she whispered. A tear fell from her noble face and into Thorwen's pale lips.

"Poppy Syrup. They gave her too much. I feared we were too late when I found her," said Calenamath.

"And so it would have been, had you tarried in your task. She will live. But recovery will not be swift." Galadriel drew a small vial of water and a small package wrapped in leaves from her robes. Inside the package was a small creamy brown cake. Breaking a little off, she gently parted Thorwen's lips and crumbled it into her mouth, before carefully pouring the vial of water to wash it down. "May this Lembas and the pure waters of the Nimrodel give you the strength to endure what is to come, dearest granddaughter."

Galadriel then kissed Thorwen on the forehead and ordered her ladies to take Princess Anberenien into the Pavillion and they bore her away. Galadriel clasped Calenamath's hand. "Kinsman, we are most grateful to you. Our attendants are preparing a room for you in our pavilion, where you can rest. In the meantime, Celeborn has much to tell you." She then took her leave and followed her ladies into the pavilion.

Celeborn thanked the Huscarls for their part in Anberenien's return and asked Haldir to find billets for them and places in the mess tents. Haldir bowed and led Bregwen and the Huscarls towards the billet tents. Celeborn embraced Calenamath and ushered him into the pavilion, the guards outside saluting them as they entered.

Inside was a large living area combining a comfortable parlour and dining room. Rush matting woven with fragrant herbs carpeted the ground, giving the pavilion a clean scent. Curtain-covered doorways led to other parts of the tent. Celeborn led Calenamath to the parlour and asked his attendant to bring them vittles.

"Ah, Calenamath, I thank you for returning our granddaughter. This has been a difficult time for all of us. But now, at last, the dark days have ended. Sauron is no more."

Calenamath shook his head in disbelief. "How was he defeated?"

The attendant set plates of food and wine before them. Celeborn poured himself and Calenamath a goblet of wine before reclining in his chair. "I do not yet know all the details, but Great Eagles flew over the camp last night, bringing news of the glorious victory that had taken place yesterday. The Free Peoples have prevailed. And when King Elessar is crowned, Gondor will have its kingship restored."

Calenamath took a sip from his goblet. The smooth, velvety wine soothed his parched throat. "King Elessar?"

"When the fellowship came to our realm. My good lady bestowed on Aragorn the Elf stone once owned by our daughter, Celebrian, mother of his betrothed. He took it as his namesake, and soon our dearest Arwen will pass this way on the journey to her wedding. But first, we must destroy the last traces of Sauron's power. We must destroy Dol Guldur and restore the Great Green Forest. Tomorrow Galadriel and I shall lead our army to the fortress. You and your company are, of course, welcome to join us."

"Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see those walls crumble and I am sure none from my company will object."

"Splendid, cousin. Rest well tonight. We march at first light."

Calenamath took another sip of his wine. "What of Radagast, the escapees and the prisoners?"

Celeborn gave him a broad smile. "Ah yes, providence has been good to us. Those who escaped the fortress have given us vital information on the layout of Dol Guldur. They are still being cared for by my people in the infirmary tent till they are well enough to leave us. The Brown Wizard is alive too. He has bounced back remarkably well for one who has survived a hanging. He is having to get used to being fussed over by Galadriel's maidens, though. I am sure he will be overjoyed to be reunited with Anberenien. The prisoners we have well guarded, and I have sent word to King Elessar as to what should be done with them."

Galadriel entered through one doorway and joined them in the parlour, but did not sit down. "How is our granddaughter?" asked Celeborn.

"She has not woken, but the poppy syrup has begun to leave her body. It will be a difficult night."

"How long will it be before Thorwen is well enough to return to the Woodland Realm?" asked Calenamath.

"Anberenien shall not return to the Woodland Realm a maiden. Her path lies southward," replied Galadriel.

"But I have sworn to return Thorwen to Thranduil. I cannot leave without her," replied Calenamath.

"You are welcome to remain with us, cousin. However, now that King Elessar is to claim the Throne of Gondor. Princess Anberenien must join her royal brother in Minas Tirith. Thranduil promised he would release her to him should the Dark Lord be defeated," said Celeborn.

"But they are betrothed. He will not take kindly to this," replied Calenamath.

"Thranduil knows our ways well enough. He need only to travel to Minas Tirith when Anberenien comes of age to claim his bride. But until that time, the Princess shall remain with her kinfolk."

"You know how difficult coming South will be for him, Celeborn."

"Nevertheless, Anberenien is Aragorn's heir until his firstborn child is born. She has responsibilities to her people. And even after she is wed, will have obligations in the North. King Elessar cannot restore his kingdom alone."

"But the most important thing at present is to ensure Anberenien is healed and prepared for her future. We would be doing a great disservice to Thranduil by sending Anberenien to him in her present state. Better it will be for them both that they are reunited when she is fully healed," said Galadriel.

Calenamath sighed. He could not disagree with them. "I should send word to my brother, now that Thorwen is safe."

"Yes, but first you should rest. In readiness for the morning. Tomorrow we ride to certain victory at Dol Guldur and that news will be all the sweeter for King Thranduil and his people." Galadriel gestured to one of the curtained doorways where a male attendant stood waiting. "Calenamath, we have prepared a room for you. In the morning, you shall ride alongside us, representing King Thranduil and your people as we raise the vile fortress to the ground!"

Calenamath did not resist. The weariness of past events fell upon him. After taking leave of his kinsmen, he followed the attendant to a tented bedroom, it too lined with reed matting. It was simply furnished with a comfortable bed, jug and bowl stand, lamps and braziers. The herbs burning in the braziers brought a feeling of peace upon Calenamath. He had barely washed and changed into a clean linen shift before sleep took him and he sank upon the bed into a dreamless rest.

The sounds of a battle horn woke him from his sleep. He had slept all the previous day. He sat up in the bed, unsure where he was for a moment. A single lamp lit the tented room, as it was still dark. Then, looking about him, Calenamath noticed clean clothing and armour on a rack by the jug and bowl stand.

He rose and after he had washed, the male attendant entered the room, informing him that Celeborn and Galadriel awaited him. Calenamath thanked him and put on the brown hose, boots and green tunic. The attendant strapped him into the leather armour before escorting him out to the dining area where Celeborn and Galadriel sat waiting, both in gleaming armour baring the sigil of Lothlórien. After breakfast, Calenamath asked after Thorwen and if he could see her before they set off.

"It would not be wise to see her for now. Her suffering is great as the poppy syrup leaves her. My Maidens and Radagast have been with her all night. You may see her on our return," said Galadriel.

"You must also understand that the name Thorwen has served its purpose. She is Princess Anberenien of Arnor now," said Celeborn.

His words weighed heavily on Calenamath's heart. He had done more than hand Thorwen over for healing. He had given her away. She would return to the woodland realm in due course, but as Queen Consort to his brother and all it would entail. She would never be 'Thorwen' again. He had thought that when the time came, his heart would have accepted this. As it had with Bregwen, he had felt the attraction but feared his doom would befall him. But with Thorwen, he had not feared his doom. He would willingly have given his life for her.

"Do not look so grim, cousin. The worst is over. Today we ride for Dol Guldur. It will simply be a matter of throwing down the walls, slaying the Orcs and rescuing any prisoners," said Celeborn.

"Thorwen, I mean Anberenien's armour and blades may still be in the fortress. We only found her helm in the forest. Then there is the matter of locating Nuta and the rest of her priesthood. The High Priestess needs to pay for what she did," said Calenamath.

"Agreed Calenamath. The High Priestess must not be allowed to escape justice," replied Celeborn. "And we shall do all we can to locate Anberenien's property, but nothing is guaranteed."

"But those blades are the heirlooms of Anberenien's mortal kinfolk and her people. The Mithril shirt is a gift from Glorfindel. I shall not rest until they are found."

After breakfast, Celeborn mustered the troops while Calenamath spoke with Bregwen and the rest of the Huscarls. They too were well rested and clad in fresh garments and armour. "You look well, Hir Cóon nin", said Bregwen.

"I am," replied Calenamath.

"And Thorwen. How does she fare?"

Calenamath clasped her hand. "Princess Anberenien is being well taken care of, Mellon Nin."

Bregwen nodded. "So it is true."

"It is. But today we ride for Dol Guldur and victory!"

"Aye!" agreed the other Huscarls. "For Thorwen!"

Calenamath turned towards them and smiled. A feeling came over him as if one preparing for their doom. "Yes. For Thorwen!"