Fire in the Shadowlands

The elves gather outside the council

Fitheach walked tiredly from the elven council meeting. There had been hours of repetitive discussion and still they were no closer to a solution. The lands were leaderless, the citizens living in fear of more marauder attacks. Already quite a few had packed up all they owned and trudged off towards Bree, hoping to find work and a new place to live. The hobbits and humans welcomed all the new arrivals.

Fit gazed down at Cheshire town; it’s once thriving market barren, no one ventured out at night these days. Even the troops in the citadel were demoralized, some had deserted and headed off looking for new opportunities or resigned their commissions and left openly.

The elven council was quarrelsome, many of the elves thought it was time to sail away west while others longed to join the woodland elves in their fair city. Neither side could sway the other and Fit tried instead to keep them focused on the people left in the realm and their protection. However many of them saw no need to consider mere humans, now that the Aran was gone they were reverting to disdain for those they had formerly looked after. Fit had appealed to them from every angle she could conceive, but they were beyond listening. Looking back she saw many standing about to go and a small number walking towards her looking as distressed as she felt. Amarth of the rangers stopped and looked at her sadly. “They have lost all sense, my lady. It is useless to continue to argue; what can I do to help the villagers?” 4 or 5 others gathered closer nodding at Amarth’s words. “We too wish to help Archdruid, tell us what we may do.”

Shadowlwands erupts into flames

At that moment there was a loud explosion, turning towards Shadowlands they saw fire shooting into the air from several places. All the elves remaining in the council house streamed out shouting and pointing at the flames. Cemenos, always the loudest complainer turned to the group and shouted; “It’s a sign for us. Let’s leave before we are all burned to bits.” Most of the group followed him running off towards the boats docked at Cheshire. The group around her implored: ”Lady Fit, what can be done? Shadowlands appears in mortal danger, suppose it spreads to the River Lands?”

Fit turned to Amarth, “collect your things and ride quickly to warn the villagers that remain to pack quickly and head to the Hobbit shire for safety. Tell them to take everything they can, livestock and all.” “Galas, go with her and help; the village must be evacuated. I will ride to warn the citadel.” Fit turned to the loyal few remaining; “you must decide to either go with our brethren to the woodland elves or stay with the citizens. Gather you possessions and take the path that seems best to you. I will hope to see you all again.”

Galsas ran up with Fit’s horse and her own; thrusting the reins at Fitheach, she turned away leaping up and riding off swiftly to catch up to Amarth. Fit swung up on Sinda and turned to watch the fast receding elves and then took another look at Shadowlands where flames leapt higher and more explosions were now heard. Leaning forward she urged her mount, “Fly Sinda, we must reach the citadel and warn the troops.” Sinda sped off leaping down the mountainside and galloping towards the great citadel at top speed, Fit bent low over her neck.

Fit rides towards the citadel

As they pounded up the road towards the citadel and surrounding town, she saw troops massing outside the gate. Many of them with family in tow and some were helping older citizens along. Fit drew rein before the guard captain who stared back at her grimly. “We have seen the fires lady and heard the explosions; cinders and sparks have already landed on the battlements. We think it best to retreat. The schooner in the harbor will hold us all, for we are many fewer than we were.” Fit sighed in relief. “That is a good plan, Captain, where do you head once on the ship?” The captain frowned slightly; “We thought to head towards the shire lady; the hobbits there are known to be kind to strangers.” Fit nodded; “That is a wise thought, Captain. I hope to see you all there on my next trip.”

Fit turned Sinda, intending to ride back and aid the villagers, but peering into the distance she saw the last of them and the 2 elves crossing the bridge to the shire and safety. The captain, troops and citizens marched off quickly towards the docks and the waiting ship. Another loud explosion was heard from Shadowlands, birds flew up in alarm. “I must find Can”, Fit muttered and turned Sinda towards the bridge to Talbreamh, riding through the mist towards what had now become her home.

Crossing the mist into Taibreamh