Sir Armindil walked slowly uphill towards the highest point of the Border Hills. Faelin was right behind him, taking carefull steps. Armindil was a strong looking noldo with long dark hair. He was almost half a head taller than his friend. Faelin was one of the falathrim, and not as strongly build as his friend. But he was much faster runner. Even now Armindil was already breathing heavily, whereas Faelin had a happy smile in his face. "Just about 10 meters to the top", Faelin said, comforting his friend who was wearing a light armour. They passed a tent of some guards. There was a noldo soldier standing outside the tent, looking sharply at them. Then he recognised Armindil and saluted. "Anything happening", asked Armindil. Behind the tent sun was just rising from the west. It`s rays were glittering in the armour of the guard. "Nothing since that attack five hours ago, sir Armindil", answered the guard, whose name Armindil couldn`t remember. "And it was nothing serious. I heard the guard in the frontline beat the enemy back even before they received any reinforcements". Armindil nodded. "Yes, they were just testing if our men were awake". The door of the tent opened, and the watch-officer stepped outside. It was sir Calamar, one of the knighs of Melandur. No wonder Armindil didn`t recognise his soldiers. " Anything wrong, sir", he asked. "No", answered Armindil. "We are just going to watch the view from the top, carry on". Calamar saluted and returned to the tent. Armindil and Faelin took the final steps to the top of the tall hill.

They both stopped. Both men had been there before, but the view was again worth seeing. In front of them Armindil could see another line of hills and a valley which would so much later be known as Westmarch. The enemy had camped in the valley. Their tents were like a black sea. "There is so many of them", said Faelin quietly. "Yes", answered Armindil. Behind them, in the west, they could see Mithlond, far below them. The sea was there, and river Lhun. And in the Lhun valley two other armies had camped. With his keen eyes Armindil could see the camps of those armies. Black army of Sauron had camped on the eastern shore, and Galadhil with his force was in the same side of the river. He was preventing the enemy from advancing south. It had been only a year ago, when Annatar had finally managed to clear whole Eriador of his enemies and had started to advance against Lindon. They had been ready for him. Though Annatar had superior forces, in several battles he had been stopped in the Tower Hills. It was a stalemate, and Annatar had tried to resolve it by sending a strong force to north. They had entered Lhun valley and tried to flank the army of Lindon. Gil-galad had send king Galadhil with his sindar, all the numenorean allies, some noldor and some laiquendi, to confront Annatar`s force. The enemy had been stopped. Now it was a stalemate once again.

Armimdil turned to look at their own camp. It was a large one, reaching far to all directions. In the best place, by the eastern road, royal household had camped. In the middle of their camp was king Gil-galad`s personal tent, and next to it the huge tent for royal meetings, councils and so on. Around these tents royal retainers and household had settled. Lord Galendil`s tent left all the others to shadow with it`s magnificence. Next to it was another tent, somewhat smaller, but more luxurious and with gold embroiled all around it. It was lord Erendur Ehtyar`s tent. Gil-galad himself was not in the camp at the moment, since there had been serious fighting in Galadhil`s front. Gil-galad with most of his retainers had went there to support sindar.

North of the royal camp was large field, and in the other side of it were the army Headquarters. Big headquarters tent was the largest single tent in the whole camp, after royal tent of course. Next to it were the tents of warlord Guilin and underlord Narces. Other staff had camped around them. East of these two smaller camps was the camp of the army. Closest to the Headquarters Armindil could see a small camp. Blue banner of the house of Dilwe was flying above it. There was the quite modest tent of lord Glorfindel of Lindon, and a small tent where Armindil himself slept. Also many other famous warriors and leaders were there, including lord Aränwe of Nan Lasgalen, who had some years before returned from east seriously wounded. Aränwe had recovered perfectly. His arrival had seriously improved the morale of the soldiers in their small camp. Dahas son of Amras had also his small tent in there. Just a year ago knights of the house of Dilwe, sir Armindil among them, had carried Dahas and his twin-brother Dolhas out from the battle. Dolhas was dead and Dahas seriously wounded. He was back in the service now, eager to revenge his brother. The brothers had their small mansion in the northert Forlindon, on the shore of Lake Helevorn and they hardly ever came to Mithlond. Out of shame or pride, Armindil knew not. But he liked Dahas, and when the time had come, the twins had eagerly joined the ranks to defend Lindon. Famous knight sir Derandil was also there, already so near to his legendary and tragical end. Faelin saw him looking at Derendil`s tent, and asked, "how do we even know Derandil. I thought he is from Hithlum". "Yes he is", answered Armindil. "Echtelion saved his life in Helcaraxe. He is under our banner because of that". Faelin nodded. He had not heard that story. After Dilwes house, there were the camps of other great houses and folks, including noldor of Lindon, laiquendi under Älwe, falathrim under Falasdil, dwarves under their king Borin, and the men of Eriador under their own leaders. Armindil looked at Faelin and could still see excitement in his eyes. Falathrim elf had just yesterday heard, that his wife had given birth to a son, who out of Glorfindel`s suggestion was going to receive a strange father-name Duall. Armindil had heard not where the name came from, and no doubt only Glorfindel and the parents knew.

"Shall we return to the camp", asked Faelin. He had seen the view a lot more often than Armindil. "Yes, we can go. I just need to come up here every now and then, to get things into order in my mind", andwered Armindil. "I still can`t quite comprehend that an enemy has reached our front-door. How could we be so blind". "Even the wise were blinded", answered Faelin. Armindil nodded. "Yes. Who could have dreamed that such an evil still exists. Who could have imagined such a plan. But we have learned much in the last few years. We will dream more in the future". Faelin nodded, and together they walked down the hillside.

A lonely figure was standing near the first tents of the camp, looking at the two elves who walked down the hill. He was wearing a dark grey cloak, and his short dark hair was glowing in the first rays of the sun. The figure had a sign of the house of The Fountain on his light armour. "My lord Äränwe", Armindil said warmly and bowed formally. "Where have you two joyfull knights been", asked older elder elf with a smile. "In a voluntary duty on the first line again? I hope not"? Armindil shook his head. "No, atanya, no. We were just watching the view from up the hill. I wanted to see the enemy, and where king Galadhil is". Äränwe nodded. "Perhaps it is good, in order to keep the right persceptive. But have you not heard that lord Jaendal is gravely wounded and lies in his death bed as we speak". Faelin looked at the older elf with sad eyes. "We know about it. But I heard my uncle is there now, keeping him company. And it is not proper for us to go there and disturb two such an old friends saying farewells". Lord Jaendal had been serving Glorfindel since the old times in Nevrast. "That is well thought, young Faelin. And indeed he is not a relative, so your presence is not required. Come, let us go to the Headquarters to hear latest news". Armindil looked at Äränwe. "Perhaps I should go to Jaendal`s tent. Glorfindel might need me there"? "No, it is a moment of privacy. Come with me". And three elves started to walk through the sea of tents. One old elf who had seen it all, one who had always been like a son to him, and one who was still young, but already a father.

A man dressed in simple green clothes approached them soon, when they were walking through the camp of the men of Lhun. Armindil looked with curiosity at these strange tall men, with whom elves had had only little to do before a common enemy had united all to resistance. Most of the peasants of Lhun were now in the camp, with their families living in fear near Mithlond. Most of their land had been overrun by th enemy. Armindil could see the hesitation in man`s eyes. He was reluctant to approach the elves whom his people had feared and respected and held in awe for so long. Man bowed while they passed him. Each elf bowed back and stopped. "What can I do for you, master", asked Äränwe. The man was quiet. Armindil stepped forward. "Atanya, this is master Bereg, the elected spokesman of the men of Lhun". The men of Lhun had only reluctantly agreed to elect leaders for whole nations. The whole thought was alien to them. Spokesman was the title they had been able to accept for their new leaders. "Master Bereg has had some grievances about the situation of his people, and has seeked for an audience with king Gil-galad, but in vain". Bereg had met Glorfindel once, to seek his help to meet the king. Glorfindel`s assurance that if Bereg would tell him the problems of his people, Glorfindel would be glad to help, was not believed. Bereg just wanted to meet the king. "Is that so", said Äränwe. "Has your quest been succesfull, master Bereg". The burly silent man shook his head. "The great king too busy to meet me", he said with surprisingly good sindarin.

"Well, king Ereinion is gone, fighting in the north, in Lhun vale. You should seek an audience with some of his representatives in here. Lord Narces of Nan Lasgalen for instance is a person who would be glad to help you", said Aränwe looking warmly at the man. Bereg looked at Aränwe. "Yes, master of Lindon known to us. Great..great knight, but no leader of elves". Armindil stepped forward. "Master Bereg, there you are mistaking". He wondered for a while how to explain the command structure of the kingdom to someone to whom even word kingdom was new. "Lord Narces is the person who helps king with matters. He takes care of things that king is too busy to attend". Bereg bowed. "I will seek lord Narces then", said Bereg with his direct manner, and went away. Aränwe looked at the man, smiling. "I really like that man. I hope that when his descentants will become more sophisticated, they will retain at least some of his manners". Faelin looked at him. "I hope he get`s from Narces what he needs". "Yes", answered Aränwe. "And I hope they will survive".

The trio continued walking towards the Headquarters, talking while they went. "I wonder what is delaying the numenoreans", said Armindil. "One would think they could have assembled an army and navy a lot faster". "They had to start from nothing", answered Aränwe. "And they first have to give at least some kind of training to those people they have armed and call an army. Otherwise Annatar`s hordes would eat them alive". "Edain are known for their valour", said Faelin. "They will do fine. They are tall for humans, very strong, and fear no darkness". Aränwe nodded. "Yes, but a regular warfare is different. That is why it takes so long. They want to be ready before they come". There was a short silence and then Aränwe continued. "But they better arrive soon. We are badly outnumbered and perhaps can`t hold out for another year. Perhaps not even for another month. Situation get`s worse every day. Soon we must risk a battle in the open". Faelin put his hand to his sword. "Soon we will show them how we can use out swords, and they shall fear the name of elves". Armindil smiled. "Well said, my friend. But I would rather have edain with us in that battle".

They saw how people around the Headquarters were running to all directions, shouting in excitement. "What is happening", asked Aränwe from one officer. "There is a navy outside bay of Lhun. Numenore is arriving, at last", the officer answered. "Better late than never", answered Aränwe and entered the headquarter tent. The place was a chaos. Officers were running here and there, shouting orders and questions. Aränwe saw underlord Narces sitting in his desk a bit away from all the noise and hurry. "The numenoreans have whole place upside down", observed Aränwe with an amused smile. "Yes", answered Narces, rising his eyes from the papers he had been writing. "They appeared this morning from the great sea. The word is, there is enough ships to carry more than 30 000 men. It is much more than we expected". Aränwe nodded. "It is many, and also explains what they have been doing for so long". "Yes", answered Narces. "Now our problem is, how to take best advantage of them. I am just sending a word to them, suggesting that about 20 000 would turn south and make a landing around Lond Daer. That would place them in a right place to threaten Annatar`s supply-lines, and would most likely force him to withdraw. About 10 000 men will be enough to secure our positions in here". Aränwe thought for a moment. "Sounds like a good plan. I assume you will send someone to advice the edain"? Narces nodded. "Annael of Mithrim will join the messangers I am sending within an hour, and be an advicer to who ever is leading the navy". Aränwe nodded approvingly. Annael was an intelligent and capable lord. He would do well! A man entered the tent, and walked towards Narces. Aränwe recognised him as prince Aduncal of Hyarastor. He offered his hand. "Congratulations for your navy`s arrival". They shook hands. Aduncal had some private discussions with Narces, so Aränwe left the tent.

It was a night and Aränwe was sleeping in his tent, when he was awakened. "My lord", a nervous voice said. "War council has an emergency gathering in 20 minutes. Your presence is required". Aränwe was immediately fully awake. War council? Why? He rushed out of the tent, forgetting his sword and helmet. Suddenly Aränwe could feel the danger everywhere. Something had gone amiss. Badly so! Within minutes he reached the royal tent where councils were held. Tall figure was standing on the doorway, helding a torch. "Sir Arminas", saluted Aränwe. It was Arminas of Ceredigion, the adjutant of Gil-galad and the first knight of the Holy Circle. He wore a bright red cloak. The sign of the Holy circle was on a necklace he was wearing. Arminas had deep blue eyes and short dark hair. He was full of hidden strength, and when he moved, it was like a predator moving. He usually had a casual happy expression on his face, but sharp eyed watcher could see that beneath it was a will of steel, and a man who was ready to explode into action at any time. He was Arminas of Ceredigion, a knight, a warrior, an adventurer, a hero, a legend. Tonight he proudly carried the signs of Ereinion Gil-galad, being his adjutant and champion.

"My lord Äränwe", greeted Arminas. "Sir Arminas", nodded Aränwe to his friend. "Thank you for coming so quickly", said Arminas. "Everyone else is already here". Aränwe entered the tent and Arminas followed him. Aränwe went to sit in a remote corner and looked around. There were no representatives from the dwarves or humans, except prince Aduncal sitting among the others. But he said nothing during the whole night. All the mighty elven lords were there. Underlord Narces and warlord Guilin were sitting in the opposite ends of the tables in their royal uniforms, looking tired. Obviously they had had a sleepless night. Sindar had no representatives, since Annael had left last evening to meet the numenorean navy. Cirdan was with Gil-galad, but his son Falasdil was present. He too was strangely silent that night. So the stage was open for all the mighty lords of noldor. Aränwe looked at them and felt how nerves were close to the breaking point. They had suffered several years of virtual siege, loosing their relatives, friends and soldiers. They had almost crowned all their sufferings with a victory, and now in the final moment something had gone terribly wrong. Mighty lords Galendil and Erendur were present, men who wanted to be royal princes, acting and presenting themselves as so, but who were not quite that. Both were wearing fancy clothes fitting for royal palaces, but not for war-camps. They looked agitated and nervous. Next to them was their political ally, lord Volondil of Dinlade. He was wearing a light-armour and looked nervous. The usually proud eyes of Volondil were now uncertain and he was sweating slightly. Guilin and Narces both appeared calm, but Aränwe had the feeling it was just on the surface. Others were there too, underlords and high knights. Salmarindil Noldorin was one of them. He was the noble representative of the mighty house of Välwe. And of course Glorfindel was present. He was also wearing light armour and looked calm. Glorfindel`s golden hair shone in the dim light, and it was difficult to keep one`s eyes away from him.

Then Guilin stood up. "My lords", he started. "I have called this meeting of the council, because grave news have reached us". He held a small break. "Has something happened to the navy", shouted one knight, forgetting his place. "No, they are fine", asnwered Guilin. "It is we who have a problem. The enemy has somehow rised another army. About 15 000 men are approaching along the southern route. They have used the southern ford on Gwathlo and crossed it, and are now on the numenorean road from Lond Daer to Mithlond. You all know without saying, that the road in question leads to our flank and rear. We are tight up in here and are about the be flanked. The situation is grave". The lords were silent for a while. "Wont numenoreans make it here before them", asked Falasdil finally. Now Narces took part to the conversation for the first time. "Unfortunately not. The enemy will reach Mithlond several days before them". There was a dead silence. "Unless they are stopped", added Narces. Prince Galendil rised his hand. "May I remind that I have a force in Sarn Athrad, though not a strong one". Narces nodded. "Yes, my lord, I have not forgotten that. Lord Galendil`s underlord Gellan is in Sarn Athrad with 1200 men, most of them spearmen of Falas. They will naturally be overrun if something is not done". Galendil looked at Narces sharply. "Gellan has some of my best retainers with him. If they are reinforced, he will hold his own. The position is a good one and he has been trained by me personally". Aränwe took a long look at Arminas, and saw how the knight shook his head.

Now it was Guilin`s turn to start talking. "It is certain that our only chance is to stop the enemy at Sarn Athrad. If enemy get`s across the ford, the numenoreans will found nothing but a devastated land when they arrive". "Annatar has an interesting way to develop Middle-Earth", observed Arminas, making people laugh. " I agree with lord Guilin", interrupted Galendil. "The garrison must be reinforced, and with the leadership of lord Gellan they will hold firm". "No, more is needed", said Narces, and everyone could saw anger in Galendil`s eyes. "Then Galendil himself should go", observed lord Erendur, snappin out of his inactivity. "Forgive me if I am wrong, but isn`t Gellan there only instead of lord Galendil, because he so far hasn`t had the opportunity to join his men". Aränwe looked at Erendur with curiosity. Was Erendur ridiculing Galendil, while seemingly taking his side. Galendil had in the recent months found an excuse after another for not joining his troops. "I would like to go, "answered Galendil ", but I am needed here now that the king is gone". Aränwe saw how Arminas once again shook his head. For what was Galendil needed in the Headquarters? He had no responsibilities, nor use, or even seeminingly will to do anything.

Now it was Narces`s turn to open his mouth. "Besides, if you will forgive me, lord Galendil, though no one put`s your personal courage under doubt, I feel someone with more experience in commanding is needed. Situation is critical and we need someone who can arrange a miracle". Galendil looked angry again and lord Erendur could hardly contain his disapproval of the fact that a mere underlord had dared to criticise a royal prince. "Not just someone with experience, but with great personal strength", said Glorfindel quietly, almost to himself. Aränwe knew that both Glorfindel and Narces had made themselves an enemy during those minutes. But then again, prince Galendil had been their enemy from the beginning. Then Glorfindel continued, and his voice was grave. "The enemy was strong even before we knew him, but now with the ring he is awesome. I can feel his strength right now all around us, trying to defeat our courage. Who is to withstand him out there, so close to Annatar himself".

No one else spoke. Galendil looked at Volondil with sharp eyes, but elven lord remained silent, like in doubt. Finally Guilin broke the silence. "The decision must be made quickly. One of us must go. For Gellan is a brave and skillfull warrior, but the situation is too much for him. I cannot go, for I truly am needed here". While saying it Guilin looked questioningly at Galendil and then continued. "Lord Cirdan is with Gil-galad, so who else could go"? His eyes moved from one person to another in the tent. They stopped for a moment to Erendur, who was staring at the ceiling, then moved on. At that moment Erendur was weighted and found to be light. Guilin looked at Volondil for a while, and then to Galendil, Finally his eyes moved to Glorfindel, who was still strangely distant, as if his thoughts were somewhere else. "Will you go, my lord? Will you go instead of your relatives and friends? Will you go instead of me, even after all our differences, if I ask, even if it means you will be killed"? Glorfindel turned his blue eyes to Guilin and his expression was impossible to read. "I will go and stop the enemy, if it can be done. But I need good men to go with me, and alas, many of them wont return". Guilin nodded. "It is decided. Lord Glorfindel of the house of Dilwe will lead the expedition". Glorfindel turned to Aränwe. "Lord Aränwe, would you go and ask my retainers prepare to ride. We shall move in one hour". Aränwe bowed and rushed out of the tent.

Soon the meeting was over and lords of the western lands left the tent. Some of them met outside. "They took away my command", Galendil almost shouted. "This would never have happened if Ereinion had been in here. They have no respect for royal blood when he is gone". "Guilin didn`t really have a chance to do anything else", observed Volondil calmly. "I doubt he would have liked to do it, if it were up to him". With that Volondil meant that Guilin had usually supported Galendil and Erendur in the council. "Yes", agreed Galendil. "It was that upstart from Nevrast, who was behind this. I know it. It was Narces all the time, and his henchmen. He will be sorry for this"! "Calm down", said Volondil. "What was he supposed to do then? You weren`t really enthusiastic to go yourself, after all". "He should have asked Erendur", answered Galendil, "and then we all could have supported him". Volondil shook his head. "It would not have changed anything", he insisted. "They should have asked me", said Erendur with his proud eyes full of insulted feelings. "I am of the royal blood, just like Galendil". "This isn`t about who is royal and who is not", answered Volondil. "This is now a matter of survival, and such notions can mean nothing at the moment. The one who is best should go, and he is going". Two others looked at Volondil with surprise. This was their ally of a long time, and one of the opponents of Glorfindel in powerpolitics. But there he was talking for Glorfindel. "You didn´t say anything at the council", observed Erendur. "Are you telling me you agree with what was done"?

Volondil looked at his two old friends, and his face was grave. "You have eyes and still you can`t see. Even in time of peace we were no match to him. He was always too popular and powerfull. Who is to stop him now, when the dark lord has come with all his might. Who is to stop lord Glorfindel now, when he is followed by such a lords like Ecthelwion, Aränwe and prince Dahas, and among his retainers are sir Derandil, sir Armindil, sir Langurig and others. This is time of war, and this is his time, for he now stands between the light and darkness. I am glad he leads the expedition, since he is now the only one who can bring victory". After saying that, Volondil walked away.

Sun was already rising when the expedition was ready. With Glorfindel would go 300 noldo heavy cavalry of king`s own forces, who would be led by young lord Horlen. Horlen was closely related with steward Melandur and with lord Volondil, and he was famous for his bravery. His fame was somewhat lessenned by the fact that no one could actually remember what he had done to achieve that reputation. Also 500 laiquendi and falathrim archers would be mounted. They would go with Glorfindel. This force was led by Dölwe son of Älwe. While these forces were organised, Glorfindel`s own retainers and liegemen gathered around his tent. Glorfindel himself wore a golden armour, and there was a diamond on top of his helmet. On his shield there was a figures of a fountain, golden flower, one bright star and a white swan. Sir Armindil was next to him, in full armour too. Others were gathered around them. Aränwe had taken off his helmet, as was Faelin. Armindil would be Glorfindel`s squire, and Faelin his standart bearer. In top of a long lance Faelin had a flag, and in it was the symbol of Lindon. Brave knights Derandil and Langurig were there too as members of Glorfindel`s household company. The company had 120 knights commanded by sir Derandil himself.

With the household company was a small group of some 20 knights of the king. One of them was carrying the bright red armour of the Holy Circle, the Seven. He approached Glorfindel. "My lord, I ask your permission to join the expedition. I have 20 elves with me, all strong and brave knights". Glorfindel nodded and smiled approvingly. "Sir Lanbadan, you are more than welcome to join us. May you keep up the excellent fame of your order and help us to victory". Sir Lanbadan bower deep and retreated to his men. Armindil recognised one of them, who was Sir Lanbadan´s squire, Elamon. Armindil knew him to be a cheerfull and enterprising young sinda knight.

Another group of riders was also arriving. There were some 20 knights and warriors in it, and they were under the banner of Lake Helevorn. Prince Dahas rode to Glorfindel`s side and bowed. "So", said Glorfindel with a smile, "prince Dahas wants to join this desperate attempt as well. Does he not know that this time we might not come back"? Dahas turned his dark eyes to Glorfindel. He looked a lot younger than he was, and somehow bitter and dangerous. But Armindil also knew the other Dahas, the one who was quick to laugh and tell jokes, and disregarded ranks and behaviour codes. He was plain old Dahas, with dark hair and appearance, and reserved mind. He avoided big meetings and gatherings, just like his father had done. He was at odds with many of the great lords of the noldor, but yet he was here now, eager to fight, as always. "My lord", answered Dahas. "Where there are warriors needed, shall I be, for that is my lot. You better than anyone else know the reasons for my debt to the elves. But forgetting that, would I let my family and house to go and fight without me? Never"! He rised his voice so that everyone could hear. "This is no time for weak hearts, and everyone who is here now is true. Let us go to war as one, and return as one, if so will it be. I know my banner bears offence to some", at that time he looked at Lanbadan, who hated the feänorians for what they had done in Sirion havens. "So it shall be taken down and a new one rised". Hearing that, his standart bearer took down his feänorian banner, and rised another one, that of house of The Fountain. Elves cheered! Dahas looked at Glorfindel, bowed deeply, and returned to his warriors. "Such a great knights", said Aränwe silently. "Such a great enemy. How many will return?" "I do not know", said Glorfindel. "But you will, my friend, you will".

Lord Gellan of Greenhaven stood on a mound staring towards south. He could see his picket-line on the shore of the ford. It was a weak line and didn`t have much support behind it. The soldiers in the first line were laiquendi spearmen, badly armed and lacking experience. No one had thought any action would be seen in this distant place, so the troops of secondary quality were here. The laiquendi were 800 men strong supported by 200 better armed sindar spearmen, and by 200 retainers and men-of-arms of prince Galendil and lord Gellan. They were all tall and strong noldor, ready for a desperate battle. But their position was desperate. The ford was really wide, the river being shallow long distances north and south from the road itself. In the southern bank the enemy had fortified itself, some 4000 men strong. But now the main force had arrived. The opposite bank was full of marching columns. Gellan could see them as far as his eyes saw, long black and brown uniformed columns, approaching the river. They were marching in perfect silence, which was really unnerving to his unexperienced troops. And there was a lot of them, really lot.

"Hold at all cost"! Gellan could still hear Narces`s words in his mind. He was to hold firm against anything that might try to come across. But now Gellan was troubled. He could feel fear trying to take hold. His adjutant stood next to him, looking pale. "We have to retreat", the adjutant said weakly. "There is too many of them". But Gellan was not to be intimidated so easily. He shook his head, uncertainly. What was he to do? If he stayed and fought, his whole force would be slaughtered, but he would have followed his orders. If he would retreat and save his force, the enemy would be marching unopposed towards the rear of the main army. It was impossible situation. Gellan hesitated. "Someone is coming", said his adjutant suddenly. "Yes", nodded Gellan ironicly. "And there is lot`s of them". "No. No", answered adjutant. "Not the enemy. Someone is coming from behind".

Gellan turned around, forcing his eyes away from the approaching enemy. Yes, there were riders in the Mithlond road, riding fast. "Can you see who they are", he asked. Adjutant Dangin had much sharper eyes than Gellan had. "Elves", answered Dangin. "But I don`t know who". Galendil`s best knight, sir Eldamir was standing near them. "I don`t see either", he said. Eldamir was a tall powerfully build noldo, who enjoyed showing his skills to others. The riders were closing quickly. First rider was on a big white horse. "I think it is lord Glorfindel", said adjutant Dangin suddenly.

Then the riders were around the mound. Gellan walked down to meet them. One of the riders rised up a banner, and it was the banner of Lindon. Gellan`s men watched, and their hopes were rising, for all the men in the front of the column were knights or retainers. They all recognised Glorfindel, lord of Lindon. But Glorfindel did not stop. He continued forward, passing Gellan, and rode up the slope to the top of the mound. Faelin and sir Armindil followed Glorfindel, and for a time those three stood in the top of the mound, staring across the river. No one said a word. In the meanwhile a rider approached Gellan. It was Aränwe, underlord of the Fountain. He looked at Gellan with his deep blue eyes and saluted. "Well met, lord Gellan. We have come to bring aid and councels in your hour of need". Gellan nodded, but looked reserved, like a man who has just realised that someone else is going to play with his ball. "Well met lord Aränwe. Help we surely need, for the enemy is upon us and he has a great force. I assume Lord Glorfindel is to take the command"? Aränwe nodded. "We have verbal orders from Narces to take charge". There was a weird mixture of disappointment and relief in Gellan`s eyes, when he heard that. "Very well", he answered. "How many soldiers did you bring"? "Some 900 men rode with us, all brave soldiers ready for great deeds".

When that was heard Gellan`s men sighted. He himself shook his head. "More were needed, for the enemy is fearfully strong". "Such a rout", laughed sir Eldamir suddenly. "What else can they do but die with us. For they are even weaker than us. Do we even dare to call this force with the name aid"? Aränwe looked sharply at sir Eldamir, but didn`t say anything. It was young Dangin who was first to speak. "Small force indeed, Sir Eldamir, but look who they have. Seldom has a fighting force of that quality put together. For lord Glorfindel is a commander who can make miracles, and Aränwe leads them with his wisdom and experience. And what kind of warriors ride in that group, such a men that were great heroes in our talks when I was a child. Didn`t you ever hear fairytales about dragons and rescued maidens. These are the knights who do such a things. Look, the dark one over there is Dahas of the house of Feänor, whose valour is seldom exceeded. And it was Sir Armindil who just rode up to the mound, the one who fought already in Gondolin and Nirnaeth. The tall noldo with a bright armour is Lanbadan the brave himself, the second knight of the holy circle, and next to him is his squire and nephew Elamon. Look at all those knights and warriors around them. There is also mighty Derandil and Langurik the lucky. All these men, and you say they are hardly a help? Perhaps there are not as many of them as we wished, but I see hope now. With such a names in our side, don`t you feel lucky too"?

Glorfindel stood in the mound looking across the river. He immediately realised that the situation was worse than he had expected. He didn`t speak for some time, just stood there, deep in his thoughts. Armindil and Faelin knew better than disturbing him. Then Glorfindel came back to life. "Armindil, what do you think about those enemy troops", he asked. Armindil was quiet for a moment before he answered. "Most seem green. See the way they march. See the way they put up their tents and fortify their camp. This is an army which Annatar has formed in a hurry. But there are some more experienced units among them, maybe one fifth of them". "Yes", answered Glorfindel. "I was thinking the same. It is not much, but at least something. Come, let us join the others". He rode down the hillside to meet lord Gellan and Ärwen. Gellan bowed slightly. "Lord Gellan of Greenhaven", nodded Glorfindel. "May your town never die". "And the golden flower never wither", answered Gellan politely. "How does it look like", asked Aränwe and sounded worried. Glorfindel shook his head. "It is not good. They are too many, and our position is not a good one". "Yes", said Gellan looking keenly at others. "I was at loss of what to do. I didn`t know if I should fight or retreat". Lord Horlen stepped fiercely forward. "My lord, surely we didn`t come all the way here just to retreat, as lord Gellan suggests". "Silence, my lord Horlen", snapped Aränwe sternly, and Horlen retreated. There was a short silence, and then Glorfindel spoke. "Fight we must, for retreat is out of the question. But I cannot see how. Surely we cannot attack, since enemy outnumbers as so badly, and is fortified. Defense seems impossible because we cannot mass enough men to each point of the ford, and ambush is out of the question. No cover within miles. Does anyone have any ideas"? The noble lords of noldor were all silent, and Glorfindel didn`t speak either, and seemed to be deep in his thoughts. Gellan`s officers tried to keep up smalltalk, but soon fell silent. They noticed that Glorfindel`s knights were silent, looking at the lord of their house, waiting. They knew that since no one had said anything constructive, Glorfindel was planning in his mind. They had seen it before, and stayed quiet in order not to disturb him.

Finally Glorfindel raised his eyes and looked at others. "What do old military tactics say. What kind of advices can you lords remember"? Officers looked at each other. "Make haste slowly", said Horek finally. "Good, but no help", answered Aränwe. "Don`t hit before you are ready, but when you hit, hit hard", offered Gellan. Glorfindel smiled. "It would be good if we would have something to hit with, and someone to hit". "Well, of course there is the theory of the first blow", remembered Aränwe. Glorfindel nodded. "Yes, the terrible first blow. Hit the enemy out of the battle before he knows it has started. But we cannot strike a first blow over the river, to their good positions". But there was something in Glorfindel`s words when he said it. Aränwe looked at his friend with an interest. Was he getting an idea? Suddenly Glorfindel`s officers were quiet again, all waiting, looking at him. "I think I just got an idea", said Glorfindel at last. "It is not a good one, that is true, but at least it is something".

Slowly, hesitantly, he continued, as if he didn`t like the idea even himself. "There is one old rule which you did not mention. If you cannot kill them, flank them". Several officers raised their voices to object. "Yes, I know", continued Glorfindel. "We cannot flank them, since who would then hold the line. We simply don`t have enough troops for such a move. But there is another version of the rule, which no one of you remembers. If you cannot flank them, KILL THEM". "But you just said there is not enough of us to kill them", observed Gellan. "Yes, not if we try to kill them when they attack over the river. We need to attack in order to kill them. The first blow theory gave me an idea. If you are seriously weaker than the enemy, you need to deliver a terrible first blow to cut him into pieces in detail. But we cannot attack across the river. Why not let the enemy attack first, since he is going to do that anyway. He will cross the river on foot, because Gellan has set poles to prevent cavalry from riding fast across the ford. Our archers will give them hard time, and they will be a bit tired when making it to this side of the river. Falathrim and sindar spearmen will be on the shore, contesting the crossing, but giving ground steadily, which they would do anyway since the enemy wont stop. The main push will be along the road towards north, so our men will slowly get divided into two, being pushed from the road towards east and west. The enemy will push through from the middle, uphill towards the inland. At the point when they will break through, they will have lost men, they will be tired and their green units will have lost their formations. They will be a horde pushing forward, sensing the victory in their grasp. Our knights and heavy cavalry will be waiting there in the hillside, rested and in perfect formation, on foot, experienced and tough, ready to attack downhill, shoulder to shoulder with heavy armour. There and then, we will deliver the terrible first strike and kill them. We will push them back to the river and across it. This is the time for which we all have been practising for so long. This is the time when we must be ready to die for our land and people. For our losses will be heavy, since we cannot stop before the enemy is in the river. Can you do it"? Glorfindel looked at the elves around him. The faces were grave and worried, but determined. Derandil was nodding, Lanbadan looked at the sky, and seemed to be praying. Dahas had a fierce look on his youthfull face, and Gellan looked reliefed. Suddenly everyone was nodding and shouting. "Let`s get them". "Let`s greet them the eriadorian way" and "lead us, we will follow".

"They are ready", smiled Aränwe, "let`s do it". Glorfindel looked at Gellan. "It is the only way", said Gellan. "I am all for it. It is time to put them between the rock and fist". Glorfindel turned now to look at the blue uniformed elves who had gathered around the council, being silent and listening. They were wearing no armour, and were gripping their spears looking worried. They were the soldiers who were decisive now, the rank and file of the falathrim spearmen. They would have to hold long enough to make the plan work, and they would have to keep their ranks together to cover the waiting knights behind them. "Can you do it, "Glorfindel shouted to the spearmen. "Will you fight in the first line and take the first attack, and fall back orderly. Will you fight"? One of the spearmen stepped forward and looked at Glorfindel. "We will fight, if the lord of hearts will fight with us. Then we know we can hold, and fear no evil". Glorfindel nodded, but Aränwe stepped to his side. "No, my lord, let me lead them. If you go, you will die". He took Glorfindel`s hand, and hold it tightly. Lord of Lindon smiled faintly. "I must go, Aränwe. I can keep them together. There is not just a physical battle fought in here, and those spearmen know it. I can feel it all the time, so clearly..the mental pressure. He is strong, Aränwe, stronger than I would have believed, and he is close. Those brave knights of noldor, they cannot be broken mentally, but these spearmen of Falasare different. There is fear of darkness in them. When the battle starts, I must be there with them to keep the darkness away. Otherwise they will break and all shall be lost. That is why I must go, and not you". Then Glorfindel turned at the waiting falathrim. "I shall fight with you, my friends from Falas, and together we shall do deeds worth songs". The spearmen cheered.

Aränwe stood in front of the knights and looked down to the ford. The enemy was crossing in good order. Heavy but inaccurate shooting from the archers was covering them. Wide dark-clad files of enemy were apporaching, splashing in the water which reached well above their knees. Their spears were levelled and pointed threateningly forward. The spearmen of Falas looked small and weak in front of the horde coming towards them. They were sheltering under big shields, and arrows were doing relatively small damage. No shooting from the defenders contested the enemy approach yet.

Aränwe`s eyes moved towards left, seeking for familiar figure among the spearmen. Finally he saw Glorfindel, standing in the middle of the line. It was just as Aränwe had feared. Glorfindel really struck out, tall figure among somewhat shorter ones, with shining armour among warriors without any armour at all. He was in grave danger. Three retainers were standing around him, as well as Armindil and Faelin who was carrying the banner. Also two mighty knights stood in front of Glorfindel. Lanbadan the brave had never looked stronger or readier in his life, and next to him was Langurik the lucky, ready for everything. They didn`t only look strong, but scary as well. Ready to kill and slaughter.

Then the enemy was almost across the ford. "Now", bellowed Aränwe, and a rain of arrows met the enemy. With a shout they started to run, the water being only to their knees now. Then they met the line of the elves of Falas. Rain of arrows continued. Aränwe could see that it went just as they had planned. Green enemy troops in the flanks could make no headway against the elves, but more experienced troops of Mordor in the centre pushed forward. Slowly the elves gave in. The enemy advanced through them, pushing them north and south, away from the road. But the enemy was loosing men as they advanced. Elven archers were worth their reputation and the spearmen were making a fight for it. Glorfindel stood in their midst, so that everyone could see him. The knights protected him, and one of the main battles was fought around the lord of Lindon.

It was by far the fiercest battle Aränwe had been in. Usually either side was retreating, pulling back or giving in. Not that day, not for a long time. The spearmen opened their ranks like planned. The example of Glorfindel was keeping them together even under that huge pressure. The green troops of the enemy sensed victory and rushed forward, already somewhat tired and suffering heavy losses. Elves were targeting their leaders. Several battalion commanders were already dead. Aränwe could see that Glorfindel and his knights were almost overrun by the enemy. But Faelin was still holding the banner and it was defying the enemy.

Then there was no one between Aränwe and the enemy. He put his helmet on his head and nodded to Lord Gellan. Gellan shouted "CHARGE" and the elven knights attacked with a great shout. They hit the enemy with an irresistible strength. Most of the enemies didn`t give in but died where they stood, fighting to the last. They were no match for the knights of Lindon. Derandil was terrible in his anger and non could stop him. The knights came like a storm down the slope felling everything that stood in their way. The battle lasted for a long time, the enemy resisting with their best ability. Then it happened. The green troops realised they were being slaughtered. They turned and ran. Arrows followed them, killing men as they ran. The carnage was terrible. By the evening the elves were masters of the field.

Aränwe didn`t have time to rejoice. He ran towards the place where he had last seen Glorfindel. What he found was almost as bad as he had feared. Glorfindel was kneeling by the body of Lanbadan the brave. The knight of the holy circle had fought his last battle, protecting lord of Lindon with his life. His proud eyes were now closed, and on his face was peace. Glorfindel himself was bleeding from several cuts. Only dangerous wounds were on his hand and side. Armindil was putting down the bleeding, ignoring his own head-injury that looked worse than it was. Faelin was sitting on the ground, still helding up the banner. His leg was broken, hand cut badly and there were several smaller wounds. All three retainers were dead. Around the knights was a huge pile of dead bodies of the enemies. Later songs would be sang about that battle. It had been fierce for the knights of Aränwe, but even worse for the elves protecting Glorfindel. In the middle of the slaughter stood Langurig the lucky, looking calm, without even a scratch.

The battle in the ford saved Lindon. The enemies were checked, though with huge losses to the retainers of the house of The Fountain. Several eminent knights of Lindon were killed, Landadan the brave being most famoust of them. Glorfindel recovered quickly. Soon after the battle numenoreans made a landing in Lond Daer, cutting the communications of the enemy. Sauron turned back and attacked the numenorean army in Tharbad with his whole force. Glorfindel made a rapid march with his force that had been reinforced from Lindon, and reached Tharbad in time to join the battle. The enemy was caught between two forces and decimated. Admiral of Numenor, lord Ciryatur, was killed in a hand to hand fight with Sauron himself. One of the decisive moment of the battle was when sir Derandil gathered several knights and attacked the guard of Sauron. The enemy was swept aside, but Derandil himself was killed fighting alone against personal bodyguards of Sauron. Thus died mighty Derandil, who was perhaps the best knight ever. In the middle of the fight Faelin was hit by an black arrow and died soon afterwards to the great sorrow of the house of The Fountain. His son Duall was raised by his grandparents.

Battle in Sarn Athrad saved Lindon, and the battle in Tharbad killed the power of Sauron for a long time. The kingdom of Lindon got a chance to grow and prosper in peace. But on the shores of Middle-Earth a new power was spreading. The numenoreans were coming and taking over.