[Annunfuiniel]

Annunfuin listened to the Swan Lady’s quiet voice with mixed feelings. “. . . Sir Thagon’s…end . . . you carry plenty from times now and before . . . he will be given proper ceremony . . .” The words rang in the old man’s mind. Floods of pain, anger and pure despair flushed over him with such power that finally he was numbed. Sir Thagon… Well, he’s at peace now – unlike the rest of us. the Gondorian thought grimly; And may be we will all join him quite soon. None of his dark thoughts did he speak aloud while a black cloud seemed to veil the sun from him.

But as Annunfuin glanced up he saw the sun and a cloudless sky. The darkness was inside of him – as it had been for what seemed like a lifetime. Over thirty years and I have yet to find peace… The grey head lowered as if suddenly weighed down by the long years passed. Thirty years – gods let me rest already!

“As for your plans, I can give you help.” The prolonged silence was broken by the soft voice of the lady of the House. Plans… – and suddenly the unbearable weight eased, the dark dream passed; Plans! Annunfuin raised his head and his eyes kindled; This isn’t over yet, I still have work to do! Maybe then…I will be forgiven…

Time for private musings was over and the soldier took control of the situation. The Guard of the White Tower knew all there was to know about defence and also – if need be – of evacuations. Taralphiel’s account of their odds wasn’t promising but it was truthful: Annunfuin was painfully aware that the number of capable fighters was virtually non-existent. I need to see a map of the forest, the sooner the better… Two leaders, two groups, with 25 in each and taking different routes – that should do it. With lady Taralphiel’s authority and Rudchamion and Annanoldowen’s help we should be ready before sunset. Even the thought of these preparations made the Gondorian’s blood run faster and he felt alive, as if in battle already. Now, as always when he was excited or nervous, Annunfuin fingered the hilt of his sword.

“As for an attack, I am sure that my granddaughter is planning it already. She does not rest long if she sees such a chance. Though what kind of attack she could make is uncertain.” Annunfuin wasn’t sure whether to frown or smile at these words by Taralphiel and so his face twisted curiously. Many and more years had passed since he had cared so deeply for someone as he now cared for the young lady Laurel. He knew her skills as a shield-maiden and yet… he couldn’t help but worry.

A gust of wind from the sea found its way to the sheltered garden and blew a lock of dark grey hair to Annunfuin’s face before finding its way through the many passages and halls of the Swan House. Wind bells rang softly. Annunfuin pushed back the rebellious lock and then shook his head lightly. Concentrate! he told himself silently; Laurel will do fine, she’s not alone!

Suddenly he became aware of the silence in which even the humming tune of a distant waterfall sounded crystal clear. Lady Taralphiel sat silent and Annunfuin could feel her gaze fixed on him. Her emerald green eyes flashed in the sunlight;

“But I will not leave here. My last journey from here I have already made. I wish to see the last of my home, if it comes to that. I do not wish to leave my husband and children again” Annunfuin’s fingers tightened around Romenril’s carved hilt. Of course something like this had to come - otherwise things would have gone too easily! ‘Woman, we have no time for this with so many lives at stake!’ With the warrior spirit so strong in him he managed to swallow the rough words only with an effort. Instead of insulting her Annunfuin followed the old woman's gaze to the middle of the courtyard.

Four white tombstones stood under a blooming tree. “Ithilien, Estelien, and Eriador. All my joy came from them. Now they are gone. My daughter died in the arms of her love. I will do as close as I can to the same.” Taralphiel’s words hit Annunfuin straight to the heart and he breathed sharply, as if suddenly stabbed to chest. We are so different and yet so alike! She would understand my pain… “I will not leave here…”

Annunfuin couldn’t sit still any longer. He stood up and walked slowly to the stones. As if seeking for support he placed his hand over one of them.

The cold touch of the white stone made the bowed figure shiver. Cold and dead… Annunfuin drew his hand away and turned to the green, living tree. The leafs whispered to him gently, calmingly.

The Gondorian looked over his shoulder, back to the Lady Taralphiel and a new, unexplained surety was in his tone as he then spoke:

“M’lady, your pain is now my pain – and I will in every way to help to carry your burden. I know loss too… But now I know something else: that even in the middle of death and suffering a new life may be born and flourish. From your daughter your granddaughter was born…” Annunfuin paused but then continued as if urged forward by some outer force; “And even now – when all seems lost – love and life will. . . they already have overcome.”

Annunfuin’s thoughts wandered to his young companions as Taralphiel silently came to stand beside him. He gave her time to consider his words for he knew pushing her would be of little avail. Minutes melted together and vanished into eternity. . .

“I will not leave…”

Annunfuin closed his eyes and sighed: the battle was lost.