The Rival of Gods

Chapter Twenty-Three: Formalities

They set out from Adrianeth's castle that day.

Sahshir was not sad to leave the place behind and was pleased that Adrianeth did not see them off. He was in no mood to exchange pleasantries with a demon. Unfortunately, it was the last roof they would have over their heads in the coming days.

The company, led by Tuor, moved by night and rested in secret places. When they saw roads, they stayed off them. Occasionally they saw merchants on ox carts or knights walking on quests. These they avoided completely, though Nagos seemed to want to speak with them. The river, meanwhile, got closer by the day. Often, Sahshir would see ships passing along it, merchant ships for the most part.

Now and then, rainstorms would come in and shower them, making the journey miserable. But on they plodded nonetheless.

"Doesn't this wilderness ever end?" muttered Nagos. "We haven't talked to anyone outside our group in a week."

"Perhaps not," said Tuor. "But it will only become harder once we reach the shore. I have a man waiting to take us across the river, but that is where we will most likely be seen."

"I presume you have some plan for this journey stage," said Sahshir.

"You are correct, Sahshir," said Tuor. "There are certain rituals that may disguise us. Much of what people see when they look at someone is based on their perception, not on any inherent truth. There are certain rituals by which I may allow us to slip beneath notice.

"To the casual eye, we shall appear ordinary travelers.

"In a longer conversation, however, we may have a problem."

"Nagos will do the talking here," said Sahshir. "Should any need doing?"

"I think perhaps I ought to," mused Tuor. "I have passed as a Harlenorian before, and I once was one."

"No, no, I should," said Oresa.

"Oresa?" asked Sahshir.

"My mother was a Harlenorian," said Oresa. "So, I look the part better than anyone."

"Do you believe you'll be able to keep up the act?" asked Sahshir.

"Well, um..." Oresa paused. "I could put across being very ineffectual and weak-willed. And Nagos could be my companion who keeps me out of trouble."

"That sounds like a fairly good idea to me," said Nagos. "It means I can be a foreigner in command while there being a good reason for it."

Then Sahshir noticed another castle some ways off. Before him, Sahshir saw another castle. It was black and stood tall with spikes for crenelations. It was abandoned, just like Adrianeth's, but the land around it was barren and desolate. "...That castle over there, what is it?"

"That is the castle of Dolores Gable," said Tuor, "though it was once called Joyous Gable. Once, it was the abode of Sir Orson the Valiant, the greatest Knight of Harlenor. He was the meekest man to stand in the hall among ladies, yet the sternest warrior to ever stand in a line of battle.

"It's said that he tamed a horse and rode it into battle, though none know what became of it.

"Before him, the castle was the abode of a cruel Elven Lord named Avasast. He was friends with a dragon and forced the humans here to sacrifice their fairest maidens to the dragon. And often, he would go out to the quarries, forcing his men to work and firing arrows at them for sport.

"Then, one day, Orson faced him.

"He carried only a sling and was only a boy of twelve. But he challenged Avasast to single combat. Laughing, the Lord dismounted and drew his sword to cut the child's head off. But Orson cast his stone and smote him on the forehead. The elf had not donned his helmet and fell senselessly to the ground.