The Great Tales of Beleriand: Definitive Edition by Chilled in Hithlum

Part Eleven: Home from Home

This chapter looks at relenting and return insomuch that both Sauron and Turgon deal (respectively) with the coming and going of those under their authority... 

THE GREAT TALES OF BELERIAND
 
 
PART ELEVEN: HOME FROM HOME
 
 
Tol-in-Gaurhoth, morning…
 
 
[Sauron and his company emerge from the deterioration of Tol Sirion…]
 
Voice of Draugluin: “Despite the winter green things always return to this accursed land, and at no other time than in springtime does the world seem so, so… Elvish!  Their very essence is on the air, it galls the senses; and that yellow rider smirking upon high blights the eye and heats the blood.”  
 
[Sauron scans the peaks of the eastern range; sunlight glares from the mountaintops to afflict him momentarily and shielding his sight he turns about to re-enter the tower…]   
 
Voice of Draugluin: “Lord Sauron deems me unaware in such matters but I know we feel alike in this …” 
 
Sauron: “Draugluin, come!”
 
[They remove to a cool and shady chamber: Sauron treads the tiles awhile…]
 
Sauron: “She is due to return today…”
 
Draugluin: “Who: that witch?”
 
Sauron: “Thuringwethil, yes…”
 
Draugluin: “You seem uncertain, My Lord, do you doubt her?”
 
Sauron: “Of course I doubt her, but if you mean do I doubt her return - then no; she above all others understands the constraints of a lawful agreement!”
 
Draugluin: “Forgive me, Master, but foregoing these days have found you ever the more pensive; why does she weigh so heavy on your mind?”
 
Sauron: “It is more the lack of her…”
 
[Draugluin sniggers lecherously…]
 
Draugluin: “Say no more, Lord, I shall ensure that you are not disturbed when she arrives…”
 
Sauron: “Dotard, you presume that I drive by base urges like thee - I am Sauron…”
 
[The pregnant epithet miscarries…]  
 
Sauron: “Nay Draugluin, do you not remember that I instructed our Vampiress - not witch - to return hither without delay if any ventured into her region of watch?  I am disappointed; I fear that this waiting has been a pointless diversion!” 
 
Draugluin: “I take it then that you learnt no more from that forest wench we caught ere she died?”
 
Sauron: “Is she dead; nobody told me…”
 
Draugluin: “Oh, I…”
 
Sauron; “Hmm..?”   
 
Draugluin: “After all this time I, we, guessed…”
 
Sauron: “Guessed wrong, surmised and gossiped no doubt: allow me to show you the truth of it!”
 
[Much to Draugluin’s aversion Sauron removes his heavy dark robes to uncover a surcoat and tunic of finest Elven silver accented with violet.  He slides an amethyst ring onto his left forefinger the power of which causes his complexion to radiate palely from within; and finally the Great Deceiver imbibes a tincture which with a shake of the head transforms his raven hair into golden tresses.  And as though naught seems amiss he primly surveys a rack of bottles on a shelf, nimbly fingering each label until settling on the one that he seeks…]    
 
Sauron: “Your turn!”
 
[Draugluin bristles…]
 
Sauron: “Conjecture begets its own consequences: drink!” 
 
[Lapping the potion from Sauron’s hand he writhes in torment at its ingestion; in the violence he finds himself shrinking into a spindle-legged soft-haired powder-grey pointer such as the Elves employ for hunting - he is appalled!]
 
Sauron: “Come!”
 
[The rearranged combination of Sauron and Draugluin descend to the dungeons…]
 
Draugluin: “My Lord, why thus a deception?”
 
Sauron: “Fool, creatures of thy order speak not; lest thou would have me inaugurate thee with an irrevocable whimper!” 
 
[The beast complies, fully subjugated.  They pass along dingy corridors, Sauron bears a lidded serving tray; at length they reach the last cell, a sliver of sunlight illumines the ground under the door - they enter in, the room is homey enough.]  
 
Sauron: “Dear Lady, I bring you some repast…” 
 
[He lifts the lid to reveal a hearty hot breakfast and presents it to the prisoner; Draugluin recoils at the smell of it…]
 
Eilinel: “Lord Annatar, it has been so long…”
 
Sauron: “I know… I came as I could!” 
 
[She gratefully receives the food…]
 
Sauron: “I trust you are well treated?” 
 
Eilinel: “Thanks only to you I deem…”
 
Sauron: “Come, come now, and eat up my dear!”
 
[Barely noticing her visitors standing by and devoid of any airs she tucks in greedily; at length she remembers herself…]
 
Eilinel: “My Lord, what a fine hound you have!”
 
Sauron: “Yes they found him nigh to by the Ash Plains, a stray from some hunting party no doubt; pet him if you wish!”
 
[Draugluin snarls; Eilinel withdraws her hand…]
 
Eilinel: “Have you named him?”
 
Sauron: “As you can see he is still quite wild; the master of this establishment will not permit my naming him until he is, shall we say, broken in.  It is a wonder that he allows me keep him at all…”
 
[Sauron resists his natural compulsion to put the boot in lest he betray the ruse…]
 
Eilinel: “Forgive the presumption Lord, but why do you wait on him; the master of this establishment I mean…”
 
[He sits beside her at table…]
 
Sauron: “I am here perforce as are you child: O woe betiding, my beloveds… my wife… my children… they are held in ransom against me.”
 
Eilinel: “In ransom, for what cause?”
 
Sauron: “I was deep in the counsel of Lord Orodreth ere the former lord of this keep escaped the latter, it is for this reason my life is spared now.” 
 
Eilinel: “So you survive by trading secrets with the Enemy?” 
 
[She draws away from his side…]
 
Sauron: “Eilinel, if that were so I would not be sat here with you now, nor neither would my loved ones still draw breath…”  
 
Eilinel: “I grasp not your inference; surely the Enemy could extract any information he wanted from you under duress?”
 
Sauron: “Duress, I take it you mean corporal torture?”
 
Eilinel: “Well, yes…”
 
Sauron: “I feared the same thing at one time but I have seen no evidence of it here; have you?”
 
Eilinel: “I cannot say that I have, but still we are held captive here against our will!”
 
Sauron: “As prisoners of war alas, yes that is true… besides I have come to learn that He is too subtle for all that and by far a more civilised lord than one might expect.”
 
Eilinel: “It must be a caution then, being ever on guard?”
 
[He half smiles…]
 
Sauron: “My Dear I have tarried overlong, here let me take your tray!  Perhaps you might permit me to visit with you anon?”
 
Eilinel: “Yes, Lord Annatar, I should like that…”
 
Sauron: “Then let us dispense with the formalities… just Annatar, please!” 
 
[The door locks behind them; Draugluin dares not speak until addressed…]
 
Sauron: “I suppose you are wondering what that was all about…”
 
Draugluin: “It had crossed my mind…”
 
Sauron: “Very well, but first let us revert to our more accustomed profiles!” 
 
[A shaft of daylight invading the cavern illumines a great store of crates haphazardly crammed into one corner revealing the original intention for the use of this space.  The shadows cast by this light also betray the true outlines of Sauron and Draugluin…]
 
Sauron: “I really must have something done about those damnable fissures…”  
 
 
Gondolin, the same day…
 
 
[Húrin and Huor stand on a wide terrace ornamented with white floral balustrades overlooking the city and the mountains beyond…] 
 
Huor: “Why does the Sun not obliterate the light of the Morning Star?”
 
Húrin: “Eh, a bit deep for you that?!”
 
Huor: “Perhaps, but I have often wondered why we see it in the morning but not at evening when by rights it should shine all the brighter…”
 
[Idril approaches…]
 
Idril: “Such a question might only be truly answered by the great Elentári herself but we amongst Eldar see it as a sign of hope for a new day.”
 
Huor: “If that is so then why is it not visible everyday?”
 
Idril: “To those with eyes to see it is visible all the time!”
 
Huor: “Ay, those with Elven sight…”  
 
Idril: “Not necessarily…”
 
[As she speaks unclouded sunshine spreads all around causing the star-like formation of diamonds on her tapered sash to radiate in myriad hues of splendour…]
 
Idril: “…perhaps you might like to visit the observatory ere you depart!”
 
[Húrin is the first restored from this reverie of colour…]  
 
Húrin: “I am sorry, did you just say depart?”
 
Idril: “Yes, your prayer has been granted!”
 
Húrin: “How is it so, would the King open this mighty leaguer?”
 
Idril: “Naught so much as that; indeed his law stands ever the more resolute, thanks in most part to Maeglin, but your words with regard to the mortality of the Second-born reached him somehow…”  
 
Húrin: “Did you hear that Huor, we are going home!”   
 
Huor: “What… How..?”
 
 
Maeglin attends Turgon in the King’s Chamber…
 
 
Maeglin: “My King, I must beseech you to rethink your decision…”
 
Turgon: “A king’s words once spoken should not be gainsaid!”  
 
Maeglin: “I speak not against you but rather to the law set down by your own hand…”
 
Turgon: “I know what you would say and the more do I love you for it; Maeglin, this time matters are different!”
 
Maeglin: “May I ask why?”
 
Turgon: “You may and I shall answer you on the rider that you continue to remind me of your fervent regard for the wellbeing of Gondolin!”
 
Maeglin: “Now and always, Lord!” 
 
Turgon: “Very well… On the eve of the arrival of Húrin and Huor I was visited in a dream by Ulmo in which he charged me to deal kindly with the Sons of Galdor though he did not say why.  Proclamations of this sort remain fresh in the mind for a goodly while and the importance of this one drove home quickly with their unexpected coming the next day.  Accordingly, I obeyed Ulmo and in time I have come fond of my young fosterlings, very fond…”
 
Maeglin: “Your pardons please Lord, but if your decree is one made out of fondness then I must return to my original request…”
 
Turgon: “Ha, you are so alike to your mother dear Sister-son; patience was not her strongest suit either…”
 
[Maeglin says nothing…]
 
Turgon: “Have I told you how our people first came to Gondolin from Nevrast?”
 
Maeglin: “Yes, My Lord!”
 
Turgon: “Hmm, I doubt that I have shared all of it with you since only a few know of what I am about to tell you.  For you see ere we departed Ulmo visited me in full register bidding me to leave something behind in Vinyamar that I alone would recognise when one came with it to Gondolin sent hither by the Lord of Waters.  Now, I had not thought about this for the longest time until when two nights back I dreamt about it again; only this time the visions were so much more vivid than at any other time previous.  And not only that I also saw my brother Fingon consoling two hooded figures, a man and a woman, but when the hoods were removed the heads of Húrin and Huor appeared; then on the following day as you already know Húrin petitioned me to allow he and his brother return home…” 
 
Maeglin: “Dreams are fractured disjointed things, Lord, and in my experience not to be relied upon…”  
 
Turgon: “Passing dreams maybe, but this was far more than that and has felt so ever since; moreover, why are Galdor’s sons interconnected to such a landmark occasion in my life and a divine prophesy as yet unfulfilled?”
 
Maeglin: “You are not named The Wise unduly, Lord, as so oft indicated in your laws; but to any of this I cannot rightly say since these experiences are your own and upon which you are the best judge.  However, I would urge you to consider the practicalities of letting them leave if not the consequences…”
 
Turgon: “The practicalities are simple enough, I have dispatched a finch to fly past the eyries, Thorondor will come; and if he is willing to take them both then they shall leave blindfolded as they arrived.  My heart is quieted in the surety that he shall return them home to Dor-lómin by a devious course.  I am uneasy now though in what you mean by consequences?”    
 
Maeglin: “My father was most displeased when Men settled in Estolad, deeming it an infestation by vermin so close to our abode; he forbade any countenancing of them.  An overreaction perhaps but he certainly substantiated their weakness and lack of fibre!  Lord, look at how Huor almost perished in the cold in refusing to take precaution against the elements: does that not show disobedience and lack of sense?  In fairness I am inclined to trust the elder brother more, but if the youngster is so reckless as to risk his own mortality in such a way then what is to prevent him from being rash in his speech regarding Gondolin?” 
 
Turgon: “It is that same mortality that has prompted my choice, Maeglin; I know not whether it is Húrin or Huor whom Ulmo has appointed to accomplish his will, however I am quite certain that this cannot come to pass with them aging and dying behind these walls.  Regrettably, the rest I shall have to leave to the chances of Eä and the grace of the Valar!”   
 
Maeglin: “Being born of twilight I cannot ascertain the ways of the Valar but I can say that the king’s grace is great indeed!” 
 
Turgon: “Grace is the better part of tolerance!”
 
Maeglin: “As is wisdom to valour: My King, this is a brave choice you make but are you certain, truly certain, of its wisdom?”
 
Turgon: “None more I understand you doubts, Sister-son, but my heart tells me that grace is the wiser path; however, might I suggest that you have Húrin and Huor swear oaths to you never to reveal my counsels or the location of this this place, for surely I will have them do so.”
 
Maeglin: “My Lord..?”
 
Turgon: “All speaking peoples pure or black-hearted, be they Elf, Man, Dwarf, Orc, or even Vala, knows what ruin might befall if an oath is broken: how much more so if that same oath be sworn twice?” 
 
Maeglin: “Or made in over-haste…” 
 
[Countless memories etch themselves upon Turgon’s brow…] 
 
Turgon: “…or made in over-haste!”   
 
 
Tol-in-Gaurhoth, nightfall…
 
 
[Sauron watches from a tower window expecting Thuringwethil’s return: not until the shadow of a great Eagle passes west across the moon does she make an appearance…]
 
Sauron: “You have cut it fine!”
 
Thuringwethil: “By my calculation I am three hours early…”
 
Sauron: “So, what have you to report?”
 
Thuringwethil: “Is it not customary south of the Ash Plains to offer the weary messenger some refreshment..?”
 
Sauron: “Sorry, we are fresh out of newborns!”
 
Thuringwethil: “Claret will suffice…”  
 
Sauron: “And a raw platter no doubt?!”
 
Thuringwethil: “Since you are offering…”
 
[He composes himself patiently whilst she deliberately, almost daintily, consumes the hastily prepared fare; she becomes aware of his weighty eyes upon her and speaks before finishing…]
 
Thuringwethil: “I found the forest-house where you described it would be; that region was desolate and utterly devoid, save for the creatures that kept me sustained.  I supposed that you had sent me on a fool’s errand, and in some respects still do; however, at the last this proved not to be.  For on this very morn one came haplessly nosing about the premises.  Naturally, during my imposed sojourn I had looked about the place ensuring that naught was disturbed but not so this fellow, he grew ever desperate and disorderly as the search continued…”
 
Sauron: “Did he call out any names perhaps?”
 
Thuringwethil: “Aileen, or something like that; I could not hear properly since he was indoors at that particular moment…”
 
Sauron: “Hmm… anything else?”  
 
Thuringwethil: “Well yes, a companion ranging elsewhere called out his name quite clearly to which he replied and quickly scurried off; he is called Gorlim!”
 
Sauron: “Gorlim, eh?”
 
Thuringwethil: “Yes I am certain of it!”
 
[He licks his lips…]  
 
Sauron: “Sweet Lady, you have something on your chin; here, allow me!”
 
[With all the grace of his former kindred Sauron sweeps in beside her, and with an elegant forefinger scoops up a trickle of blood-wine which he smears flatly across her lips.  She makes to protest but he depresses his fingertip against the softness of her mouth, speaking softly…]
 
Sauron: “Shush…You have done well!”  
 
[He leans in to take her lips with his own but too soon she withdraws and stands alert, somewhat ruffled.  Assured in his own prowess, he rises…]
 
Sauron: “Your Sisterhood is done for, Thuringwethil; I have demonstrated this to you already!”
  
[She tosses her head defiantly…]
 
Thuringwethil: “Yes Lord, it is abundantly plain that I am at your behest now!”
 
Sauron: “I shall not force you in this, Bonbon, but rather I would ask: where else will you find comfort?”
 
[He extends his hand towards her….] 
 
Thuringwethil: “I am nobodies Bonbon!”
 
[Sauron laughs: at length Thuringwethil accepts his hand…]  
 
Voice of Draugluin: “So it would seem that Sauron and I are not that different after all, for a fiery spirit trammelled in mouldering flesh will ever seek out a counterpart…”
 
 
Night in Dor-lómin…
 
 
[The silhouettes of two young men are caught against the warm light of a row of houses: two others older than they rush outside to greet them lovingly, soon enough these are joined by many more beside…]   
 
Voice of Draugluin: “And is it not true that all persons need a place they can call home…”