Wanderer

36 - The Deep Breath

Jade

"I can't believe he's...not...letting...me...fight!" I'm tugging on the leather straps that hold Daeron's breastplate on as I speak.

"It's a wise decision," says Daeron, who has greatly improved from our last conversation but can't pass up an opportunity to be right.

"I suppose." I don't want to spend the last few minutes I might have with Daeron arguing. I hand him the deep blue cape that goes over his gold-colored armor. "I just feel a bit useless."

The wolfish grin is back. "Listen, Jade, you make sure you're around after a hard day of fighting, and I would find you very useful indeed."

I'm almost immune to these jabs now. Almost. "You make sure you're alive after a hard day of fighting and I'll see what I can do." 

Dae gives me the look again. "I'll remember that."

Damn.

"Seriously, though, Erenion will have work for you."

A quick flutter rises in my stomach with the mere thought of other work - probably tending the injured - and I feel a wave of terror.

"Oh Valar, Dae, if Elrond doesn't get here in time, it's all over."

I look at the cold stone armory floor, past the stiff leather of my boots. And then there's my father and Earendil  out there, too.

"Are you scared, Jade?" Dae's voice is surprisingly gentle. It's what makes him, for all his faults, different from the rest.

"Yes." I whisper it, not raising my head.

I hear a clank of steel, and Daeron hugs me, armor and all. It's not enough to offend or confuse me, just enough of a hug to let me know he's there. I'm grateful beyond words. I can't speak.

Daeron lets me go, but keeps his arm around my shoulders as we leave the armory and find Erenion.

Erenion looks more peaked than usual behind his massive mahogany desk. Daeron goes to him at once, composed, and stows his helmet beneath his arm. " Daeron, general of the Elven reserve, reporting  for duty majesty."

Erenion hardly looks up. "Take up your position on the walls with your men, General. Await my signal. We attack soon."

"Majesty." Daeron bows - he's definitely improved since we last talked - and leaves us. He squeezes my shoulder on the way past. Again, I'm grateful.

"Andunie-Rana...reporting, Majesty." 

Now Erenion looks up. I wonder how he sees me. Does he see a child? I stuff my rising fear somewhere deep down.

"Jade. Request for duty accepted. I want you to stand watch at the beacon. As soon as you see the Edain, then, well, you know the procedure."

I nod. I do. Lighting the massive pile of oil-soaked wood to alert Lindon - the "procedure" - isn't so much of an issue. For me, it's perched high above the earth, straining into the darkness and steadily losing hope.

Erenion rises and beckons to an assistant to help buckle his sword belt. He raises his eyes to meet mine.  "I don't think I have to stress the importance, do I?"

I shake my head and let my gaze slide right back to the floor. "No."

Erenion smiles, suddenly. "Jade, take heart. You'll be alright. Take a quiver and bow with you. I'll send someone up with you if it gets too much. Dae said you wanted an important job."

I just have to smile. Dae. Looking out for me as usual. "I guess I did."

Erenion pauses on his way to the door. He  graces me with one of his rare smiles. He has gorgeous teeth, and his whole face just lights up. "Jade. You'll be alright."

And then he's gone, just like the rest of them. 

It's going to be a long night.