The Sands of Rhun: A Middle Earth Story(Book 2)

Part 2: Epilogue

   It seemed as if half the population of Caras Galadhon had gathered to see me off.  Caledorn stood at my side, clad in armor black as the darkest night. His expression was, as usual, unphased, the magnitude of our journey leaving him unaffected. 

   I was less confident. A feeling lingered within me that I would never again lay my eyes upon this place, this realm of hidden light. I still wore the armor of the Lòke-Rim; It had been returned to me the previous day, and though I was also offered a suit of elven mail, I had elected to keep the garb of my people; I wished for them to see me as one of them, when the time came. I had, however, long since discarded the bulky helmet, leaving my dark hair to flow free in the gentle wind. 

   As I scanned the crowd of elves I saw Caledwen, who smiled sadly and approached me. Of all the elves here I would miss her most; Her companionship had been a boon to me in the darker days of my short stay here. 

   As she reached me Caledorn turned away, pretending to observe something in the trees. I determined I would ask him of their relationship later, but for the moment I focused only on Caledwen. She was carrying a box of carved wood, which she extended to me.

   "I am glad that our paths crossed, if only for a short time, Prince Rukil. It gladdens me even more that I can call you my friend. As a token of our friendship, I made you this." She handed me the box, and watched expectantly as I opened it. Inside was a headwrap, midnight blue and made of fine Lorien silk; To my surprise, however, it was inscribed with the letters of my people. It read I shall break the bonds of my people, as I broke my own.  I smiled and took Caledwen's hand. 

   "You learn quickly! Your grasp of my language is flawless... Thank you. I have little in the way of belongings, otherwise I would have a fitting gift for you. But since I don't..." I leaned forward and lightly kissed her cheek. 

   "I hope that we meet again milady," I said. Even as the words left my lips, I knew that I would likely never see her again... At least, not in the world of the living.

   "As do I," she replied with a wistful smile that seemed to reflect my thoughts. She tried to hide it, but I couldn't help but notice a tear fall down her cheek. 

   I turned away and saw Galadriel and Celeborn approaching. In Galadriel's hand was the reins of a pure white horse, more majestic than any I had ever seen. As she brought her to me, I realized that she must've been at least eighteen hands tall. Her mane was as white as her coat, streaked with a darker silver in places.

   "It is customary for royalty to exchange gifts. I give you Sirdal. She is of royal lineage, descended from the war-steeds of Elrond Halfelven. May she bear you well wherever your path leads you." She handed me the reins, and I took them. 

   Celeborn held the reins of a coal-black steed, which he handed to Caledorn. "This is Tinnuroch, Sirdal's brother. I give him to you for your constant and selfless service to Middle Earth and its inhabitants." 

   Caledorn bowed, and we both mounted our steeds. I wrapped Caledwen's gift around my head and tied it together, the smooth silk soft against my skin. 

   "May the Valar guide your steps," Galadriel said as she raised her hand in farewell. 

  Caledorn and I spurred our horses onward, and without a look behind I rode ahead into my new life, knowing only one thing: I finally had a purpose now.