[mark12_30]

The lanky chestnut's lips twitched as Nethwador groomed him. Nethwador's eyes burned with anger, and his lips were tightly pressed. When he rubbed too hard, the chestnut flinched, but Nethwador hardly noticed. He did not hear Taitheneb approach.

Remember the words of lord Amroth: your horse is red like Echo, and tall, and truly he loves you. Does he have a name?

Nethwador thought, and answered. I call him wanderer. But he has no name in your tongue. You name my horse.


Tall; Halad. Celegoer, swift copper; ... holds to the young one: Beorneth. ....faithful lover, Bor-Melethron.

Taitheneb waited. Do the names fit him?

I will tell you what to name him. Name him, 'Nethwador is only for Bella!'

Would that win her?

Nethwador's eyes flashed and he did not answer, but glared at Ædegard. Taitheneb waited.
The boy stroked the horse's head, and said, "Celegoer Beorneth."

Taitheneb smiled a little. Swift Copper Holds to the Young One. It is a long name for a horse. Perhaps another name would be better.

At first, Nethwador only groomed the chestnut more vigorously. But then he turned to Taitheneb, and his eyes softened. "Beorneth... Bor-Melethron." His eyes flicked toward Bella, and his eyes burned with a softer light now, and with a nod towards Taitheneb, he faced his horse, and groomed him all over again, muttering "Celegoer... Beorneth... Bor-Melethron."

Taitheneb waited a while, then thought, Stay. Dortho. The one who stays with you; i northa Nethwador.

"Dortho... I northa Nethwador..."