The Citadel of Guard

[Saeros]

time later...

The former Steward of Enedwaith rode into the white city and made his way into the Citadel. He came forth to the throne of King Envinyatar and kneeled down with lowered head. "Lord Saeros sends me to give word about the taking of Enedwaith, my Lord."

[Envin]

"Then I shall harken unto thy words, and speak sooth to me - thou shalt have a fine meal and a bed after I have done with thee. Take thou this seat [he gestured to a chair hard by] and relate all that occurred. The word is that Garland of Moria was behind the assault."

[Saeros]

The steward thanked him and took seat. "Yes, he was it himself, mounted on his steed and to proud to dismount for our negotiations. I met him in front of the gate, after his men nearly ripped it into pieces."

[Envin]

"I see," responded Aragorn. "A grevious turn of events is this. Enedwaith did naught to provoke Moria, I take it?"

[Saeros]

"Enedwaith saw the first dawn of peace and freedom since ages. We did nothing to Moria. We had not even slightest contact with Khazad Dum at all. He came in a sudden and completely unexpected over us." the steward replied.

[Envin]

"Was there a great deal of bloodshed?" Aragorn asked hesitantly. "I pale to think of thy folk taken at their ease by the hordes of Moria. This cannot stand, something must be done. Thy report has sufficed for me, good steward - now get thee to supper and bed, and be off at dawn. Ask thy Lord to come and speak with me if he is at all able. And thou hast my thanks."

[Saeros]

The steward raised from his seat, bowed deep and thanked Lord Aragorn before he left.

[Envin]

Aragorn turned to Arwen. "Now is my mind settled - once Saeros gives his report, then I shall set out for Moria, and see what may be seen."

[vanya]

She nodded and layed a hand on his arm. "He will come soon, I am sure."

[Saeros]

After a fourtnight, Lord Saeros arrived the Citadel. He didn't took time to dally and walked straight into the councel hall. "Lord Aragorn, you called me to come for an audience."

[Envin]

"Aye, my good friend, that I did. Ye said that thou wouldst make inquiries and attempt to discover why it was that Garland hath turned upon us - I am wondering what thou hast found.[/i]"

[Saeros]

Saeros nodded. "I found nothing. There is no reason. He just came up with his riders and assaulted Enedwaith without explanation."

[Envin]

"Then there can be no doubt in my mind or in the minds of any else: Garland is a traitor, and as such must be ejected from our midst, and his secrets sought out and revealed. As soon as my arm hath mended, I shall set forth to the north to investigate the last words of Dindaedel, and afterwards I shall infiltrate Moria."

[Saeros]

"Good luck for both. You may need it. I heared some tellings about Moria. But also that you were there several times atself." Saeros said seriously.

[Envin]

Aragorn chuckled grimly. "Well, in sooth hast thou been told, Saeros. I have braved the Dimrill Gate afore now, and shall do it again ere I die, but ne'er have I passed its doors with a smile upon my lips. It is indeed such a place as all the tales tell. I must be wary."