Book II: The Saga of Thranduil

Chapter XXI: The Best of Sons

When the gates of my palace were within my sight, I could see nearly my entire kingdom waiting for us. The closer we came the louder the voices seemed to rise above the arms of leafless winter trees. I stopped in front of the bridge leading to my palace—I was home. To greet us were our families—among them were Tarthôn and Legolas. My heart leaped as they stood before me.

"Ada, you are home," Legolas said smiling. "How I missed you."

"I did so as well," Tarthôn said.

"Not as much as I missed you both," I said. "May I never have to go away again."

As the three of us walked toward the gates, the cheers continued. Once inside my palace, I felt as if something dark had been lifted—for light seemed to fill the caverns of my palaces as they had before.

"Did anything happen in my absence," I asked.

"No more than you would expect," Tarthôn said. "I hope you do not mind that we cared for some of those men from Esgaroth that came to us.

"I am proud of you," I said. "I would expect as much generosity from a Prince of the Woodland Realm."

"Seems Êlenuil took a liking to them," Legolas said. "In particular, one maiden. She was not as the others."

"He is still young, Legolas," I answered. "Caught in the moment, perhaps."

"No, she was different," Legolas said. "Far older than her years."

"Is she still with us," I asked.

"No," Tarthôn said. "She left when the curse was lifted from Dol Guldur."

I turned to him—I could feel my heart begin to beat faster.

"She left when the curse was lifted," I repeated. "How would one of them know about such things?"

"I thought everyone knew," Legolas said. "You mean no men knew of Sauron?"

"They would know of many things," I said. "Did you speak of it? Did Êlenuil speak of it?"

"Not a word," Tarthôn said. "She left nearly as it lifted. Neither of us saw her leave. Save Orísil. He saw her speaking with Êlenuil alone by the gates. He said he heard nothing alarming."

I started to calm down as we walked into my study until Legolas asked me a question.

"Ada, where is Eryn Galen," Legolas said. "It sounds familiar to me, but I cannot remember. I should remember, yes?"

I turned around—into my study my council started to join us I could see over his shoulder.

"Eryn Galen," I said. "You do not remember this name, Legolas?"

All fell silent—not a breath came from anyone nor did anyone dare breathe at the sound of that word.

"Not entirely," he answered, innocent of anything he might say. "But this maiden spoke of it as if she knew of it. I remember while in the gardens, I overheard her say to Êlenuil and Elendôr that she knew someone who lived there but did no longer."

"What was her name," Nimlos asked approaching him. "Did she say as much?"

"I do not remember," he answered. "But I remember Nenloth knew her at first glance it appeared. She spent far more time with her than Êlenuil."

"I must go," he said. "Many pardons." 

Then he was gone leaving everyone rattled.

"Is there anything more I need to know, Legolas," I asked. "Tarthôn?"