My Sword Weeps
by Agape4Rivendell
Chapter 21: Spies
They were very close to Nardol when the
blizzard struck. Certain they would have been seen, Indis was relieved
when the storm hit.
They found the cave they had stayed in on their way from Edoras back to
Minas Tirith. She put her hand to her mouth to stifle a sob. It was
such a short time ago. So much had happened since that time. If only
she could stop time, go back to this cave on that day, and hide here
forever! Her world had crumbled - to be able to start over again. To
have Boromir alive and Faramir well. She settled Faramir in heavy
blankets as Gorlim started a small fire. Then, she hid in a corner of
the cave and succumbed to grief.
At last, Gorlim joined her. "I cannot see you suffer alone, my Lady.
Will you lean on me, just for a moment? I would tell you that you are
not alone in your sorrow." The soldier's eyes were kind as he sat next
to her. "I would not presume to, but I cannot sit idle by and let you
suffer alone."
She looked towards Théodred and Faramir. The Rohir lay next to
the
Gondorian. When last they were here, it was Boromir who had slept with
his hand around Faramir’s shoulders. She wept bitterly.
Gorlim touched her knee; she turned and flung her arms about him,
sobbing frantically. He held her and his sorrow deepened. He remembered
her when she would sit next to Ecthelion at the Council meetings.
Strong and wise, he had oft thought how blessed Arciryas was, to be wed
to such a woman. When it was his turn, he would stand as guard,
watching over the attendees, listening to Denethor, whom he greatly
admired, and watching Indis. He took in a quick breath. It was useless
to even dwell on such times. The customs of Gondor were set in the
stone of Aulë long before his eldest ancestor was born.
Her sobs quieted and he, looking down upon her, smiled. She slept.
The silence of the cave was complete. What little fire they had had was
slowly waning. He did not want to move; she slept so peacefully, but he
must stoke the fire. A sound caught his attention. Without hesitation,
he placed his hand over her mouth and gently shook her. “Something is
outside.”
Her eyes widened in understanding; they both stood, swords drawn.
~*~
Imrahil paced across the study. ‘There are days,’ he thought
ruefully, ‘when I wish I were back home.’ He stopped and motioned to
the guard. “Arantar. Tell the Lady Ragnhild that I wish to speak with
her.” The guard saluted and left. ‘If only I had not sent Éomund
to
Pelargir. I knew Indis wanted to leave as soon as possible. Now they
are separated when I wanted his full strength with her. But who could
have known the woman would set out so quickly!’
Ragnhild entered the room and he smiled. “Thank you for your
promptness, my Lady.”
“You have only to call, my Lord, you know that. Is there aught I might
do for you?”
“I need to send someone to Calembel and Tarnost.” He smiled. “Since you
are so well versed in long journeys in times of desperate need, I
thought I might send you.”
Her eyes sparkled. “Would this have anything to do with spying, my
Prince?”
“I had sent Arantar and Eomund to Pelargir to discover if treachery
had spread to that land. Éomund has returned. He took but a
moment’s
rest and has followed Indis. They found none. However, I surmise that
there is marked disloyalty in the city of Calembel. Ohtar’s perfidy has
probably spread. I must send someone to Tarnost and Calembel to assess
the damage. Would you go? I would not send you alone, of course.
Arantar would accompany you along with a company or two of my men.”
She smiled. “If I go in Arantar’s company, I will find nothing
wrong. A gaggle of soldiers wandering about the city would be most
detrimental to your cause. But,” and here her smile widened, “if I may
go in disguise, as a displaced healer, I could ascertain the extent of
the treason.”
He laughed. “You are truly a worthy councilor for our Lady Indis. When
will you leave and who will you take with you?”
“I have made friends with a few of the healers; there is one there
who is quite able to help with defense as well as deceit. And there is
a certain cook’s apprentice who showed himself well during the…” Her
eyes clouded in sadness. “during Boromir’s captivity. His name is
Targon. He is most intelligent and would be a great help to me, I am
sure. Though he fancies himself a cook.”
“How did… Oh! Is he the one who slipped the key to Éomund in the
dungeons?”
“Aye! And the one who found and rescued Boromir from the hands of
that snake, Amandil. The lad thinks on his feet and that is what will
be needed on this adventure.”
“Very well. Take these two with you, but also, find a soldier or
two from the Third Guard. I cannot leave you traveling alone. Once you
reach these cities, enter separately and then stay at the same inn. Do
not do anything unwise, Ragnhild. If I lose you, Indis will never
forgive me.”
She laughed, bowed and left. Hurrying towards the buttery, she
weighed her options. ‘Should I take a horse? Nay! Only the rich travele
by horse. Well, a nag. I could take a nag. Nay! A cart with a nag
pulling it. That way I can take my medical bag and a few medicaments.
Must look the part, I suppose.’ She almost clapped her hands in
delight; she had been stifled, sitting her in the City, waiting,
waiting, waiting. ‘I can serve my Lady,’ she thought with glee, ‘in way
that she does not even suspect. Life is good!’
