Chapter 18: Imtarumbar

The 21st Day of Narwain. T.A. 1584

Daern said, "I'm not one to tell you what to do, but you have not seen what we have seen here. I myself would not take anything from this place. Every item here seems to have a terrible price to pay to be able to use it. It is your choice to take the flute if you want."
Taurvantar, hearing this added, "If were you, Clarissa, I would leave that flute, and any other thing of this house. The magics here are strong, but they have a price I'd not pay."
Clarissa, feeling somewhat embarrassed, put the flute back, but only after taking a few moments to study it.

"Ranciryon", she asked, "You like me are a Numenorean. Do you think that you have the strength to defeat the evil in this place?
Ranciryon shook his head. "Nay, lady, I do not. Not yet, anyways. But don't doubt that someday, I shall return!"

While no one was looking, Fred took the flute and stowed it away.

Takenya waited quietly while the rest of the group talked to each other. As each person introduced themselves, she looked them over carefully, her green eyes lingering on various items. She stared with outright curiosity at each person, although Fred and Taurvantar received the lion's share of her interest. Her gaze was intense, but not unfriendly- it almost seemed that no one had told her that it wasn't polite to stare.
Smaller than most of the party, she wore simple and much patched clothing: a woolen tunic, short pants and leggings, and boots. Her cloak and hat were made from the tawny yellow skin of some animal. Yellow hair of the same shade as the skins poked out here and there from under her hat.
Kirahan shook his head grimly, tearing his gaze from the skylight overhead. "I was heading to Fornost Erain," he replied, looking at Ranciryon, "ere all of this. I would choose that as my destination unless there are better suggestions."
Looking at the nervousness in the faces of the newcomers, and then the weariness in the faces of his fellows, Taurvantar said, "I think that, despite my reluctance to leave this place unsettled, it would perhaps be for the best if we go now. If we were surer of success, or if we did not have reason to think that retribution were coming, I would feel a need to remain, but as I said, I don't think it's reasonable to insist that our new friends share this peril, and I don't think us strong enough to prevail without them, and maybe not even with them. I am curious about the schoolroom and its secrets, but every secret this place reveals seems to take a toll of us. I feel a weariness that is strange to me, as though my very life is being slowly sucked from me, and I am ready to go somewhere cleaner. No one commissioned us to solve this problem now; we took it upon ourselves, and we now have the chance to take a more sensible approach than the headlong rush into danger. Our comrades will no doubt be sure that Lord Tarma sends a force here; if the house still stands unquieted at some later time when we are better prepared, then by all means we can and should return to finish it, but now the cost is proving too high."
"Since Kirahan and Clarissa, at least, are going now, we should consider whether we are better travelling with them, or going on our own way. Daern, Ranciryan, Fred: if you are all determined to stay, I wish you good fortune, but think it folly."
Daern stood and pulled his cloak tighter around him. " I agree with Taurvantar. The longer I am here, the weaker I become. I have changed my mind about staying here. Even if we were to defeat our foes the first time, who's to say we may survive a second or third attack. If one of us are slain, that is it, but this house brings back those that we have slain to fight us once again."
"As for destination, Fornost Erain sounds as good a place as any to journey and better than most. I say we follow Kirahan's path and remain in the kingdom of the Dunedain," Taurvantar urged.
Daern nodded his head in agreement, "I will travel with you to Fornost Erain also if that is agreeable with everyone else. We should make haste though and leave this place before dark."
Daern looked around and quietly said, " Before us we have a means to travel anywhere we want to. Myself, I have no urge to go to any particular place. I feel the need to finish what we have started here but we are not as strong as we once were. We were in a difficult position to begin with but I'm not one run. I feel if we are to leave this place, we must return one day for there are many questions that need to be answered. We have found out that the pool can answer our questions. I feel the need to further explore this place but everyone must speak their mind. If you want to leave this place, I will not argue the decision. If there is one thing we must do, we must stick together."
Daern then sat down and began to run a whetstone over the edge of his sword.

"What are you thinking about Daern?" Fred asked.
"My home on the plains. If I could go where I would wish - in truth it would be there," he told Fred. "But, I did not say as much for fear of influencing the others."

Clarissa, looking above her said in a clear strong voice, "I feel strongly about leaving, let us decide quickly on a destination while we make our way to the mirror". She looked at Fred and Ranciyron, her eyes showing concern on their indecision to leave.
"Please come with us, it will not be safe here. I suggest these three places where we might all go - The town of Bree, the Misty Mountains, or Greenwood the Great."
Dearn nodded, adding, "Clarissa brings up a good point. It looks like once again we are undecided on what to do next." Daern pulled out his sword and began running a whetstone over the edge. " I agree about leaving this place with unfinished business. I would stay but I feel it would also be a gave error to split up. Ranciryon and Fred, you are the last to make a decision on whether to stay or go, I hope you decide to come with the rest of us."
Once again Daern tries to find warmth in his cloak.
Ranciryon added his own voice into the debate. "I do not wish to leave, yet to stay unaided would be tantamount to falling on my own sword. I am willing to leave, but only if it agreed amongst us who have seen the evil deed done at the inn that we must return one day and see put paid to this wretched place. I think that we owe this to Eoras at the very least, to see that the terrible price he has paid is one that was worthy. I for one would not care to face his loved ones with the knowledge that we left his death unavenged. And if we are to go after all, I have this question - Where is it that you all think we should go?"
Taurvantar, fired by the Numenoreans words said, "I swear to you, Ranciryon, that what we have seen remains etched in my memory as well as yours, and I too would see this place brought down, but I think our best chance of doing that lies in gathering strength. Better to go about it properly and have the best chance of success than to operate from our current weakness. I, for one, will pledge to return to be sure this evil is cast out.
Daern added his own strong words. "I will agree to return here one day with you Ranciryan, you have my word, for I will never rest myself until the evil here is destroyed. As to where we might go from here, I have not given that any thought as of yet."
Fred, speaking now, said, "While I am opposed to leaving, I am even more opposed to staying by myself!"
While the others talked about whether and where to go, Takenya continued watching them, occasionally moving into a better position to view a particular person. When she was done with her examination, she stood for a few moments more in contemplation, then spoke. It was clear that Westron was a language she was only marginally familiar with and she took her time saying what she wanted.
"It seem this place is people with spirits of dead, creatures
that I am knowing not with. I not feel that I have the knowing to even understand what we dealing with, never mind to
knowing the mystery. I say that I not understand the our place, but
would it possible to return here at any time? Once we have
learned how to deal with creatures as these, we could return to this
time. Or might it be to choose which time we arrive here so we
prevent this from happening? I have no reason to believe the dangers here not as great as you say, I believe we should be gone here by nightfall. If we can solve the mystery, let us do. Otherwise, I would to be gone until we have ability to deal with problem. I am sorry leave lady in such a state, but better leave and return, than die now. We may also spread news so that those who are more better than we can help. I too feel this place is leeching life from me.
Stay longer, we would become weaker and weaker until we easy prey for any creature here."
As the others tossed about various ideas of places to go, Takenya had no suggestions. "I never heard of any these places, I have never
gone far from my home range. I have long thought of seeing what else in the world, this seems my chance to do so. Wherever the rest of you wish to go, I will go also."
It was decided upon to at last leave, with quick and hurried footsteps the party made quickly for the lower level. Judging by the failing light that peeked through the windows that they passed, it seemed darkness was just upon them. Indeed, there seemed an anticipation as if the House itself where awaiting some appointed time to come to life.
Clarissa still feeling foolish for wanting the flute, followed the others back to the mirror. When the destination of Fornost was mentioned, she perked up, and said "Fornost would be very acceptable to me, I spent a few months there after leaving Annuminas, it would be good to see the fortress city again".
Daern said to Clarissa, "Many of the items in this house tend to take hold of you in some manner. I myself have been tempted to take something with me but I believe it would eventually lead to my demise."
Takenya moved to look out the nearest window.
"If mirror cannot be guarded or hidden, there is one other option. We destroy it and leave from this place on foot. Although the weather is poor, there is surely food and shelter to be found in the woodlands nearby. Of course, if that is agreed, we should leave at dawn so we can be as far from this place as possible when night falls again."
After Takenya had spoken, Fred started to look a little nervous and said, "I am not so sure of finding food or shelter around here. I don't know how you got here but our original party almost died in the woods not far from this manor. We could see the manor from where we started but wandered for hours in the forest. The forest seems to be alive and not too friendly at that." Fred seemed to shudder involuntarily as at an unpleasant memory. After a moment he continued. "We were trudging through the bitter cold and seemed to lose our sense of direction very quickly. We stopped briefly and next I knew I was jolted awake by the sound of Lord Tarma's baby screaming. If it had not been for that I don't think any of us would still be alive."
Fred started to pace around again. "I think we better get back to the hall with the Iron Man. It is getting late, and whatever we do, we do not want to get caught out here when it gets dark. We have lost enough people here during the day." He was obviously getting more and more nervous as it got later and later. "If we are going to discuss what to do we will be much better doing it somewhere that is relatively safe, and..." he looked around nervously as if he was being watched "...some place more protected from prying eyes and ears."
(missing dialogue)
Clarissa listened to Fred's words very carefully. "Perhaps Fred is correct. I never thought of us leaving, and the mirror still being here. But I don't know, can we fight this evil, are we strong enough? Perhaps we should stay and clean this place of this evil."
When Fred spoke of someone else using the mirror, Takenya nodded in agreement. "I do not see how we could destroy it- unless someone was willing to destroy it once everyone else had gone through and I do not think that wise. Perhaps though, we could move it elsewhere. You mentioned a giant guardian- could he be told to guard the mirror and let none but humans, hobbits, and uh... elves
pass? If the mirror cannot be moved, could the guardian be convinced to come here to the mirror? Or is there perhaps some hidden room that it could be placed in? That brings up another question, do we know where "here" is? I surely do not. Can we indeed return here at all whether it be on foot or by other means?"
Clarissa added, "Takenya is right on many things. I have no experience against such creatures that lurk here, yet it may be folly to leave the mirror unguarded in such a place. We may never make it back if we leave, and the evil that resides here would have the mirror to use as they please. If we stay, death may await us all, but if we leave, death and other horrors may await many, many more. I am beginning to believe we should stay, just think, this evil here could sneek into homes of the unsuspecting, stealing children if they wish, if we at all have power together, perhaps this is the place to use it first. I agree, lets go to this room, and if there is time, lets look for some more weapons on the way. I do not like the idea of destroying this mirror, it could be invaluable to us".
There were neither weapons and the party, except for Fred, seemed intent on leaving. Even the hobbit, gazing at the dark wooden walls around him, didn't seem to want to linger long and soon found himself rushing as fast as he could. His shorter legs couldn't move him as quickly so Daern scooped him up and carried him the rest of the way as the party hurried. Fear was at the back of every thought.
Coming upon the room, Takenya took a quick look at the mirrour to see if it could be moved. It was fastened securely and moving it would have been an involved process. Kirahan took of his shirt and in the cold room, his body steaming with exertion, he ran his knife down one arm, cupping the blood that ran from it into his palm and immediately smearing a rich layer all over the mirrour. The blood did not run but continued to stay where it was, clinging to its surface.
Kirahan wasted no time. "Fornost!" he commanded.
The blood disappeared, slowly fading until emerging from its crimson darkness, snow clad cobblestone streets could be seen, people wandering huddled and cold. An icy wind entered the room, blasting away the charnel smell, but gripping each of them in a terrible cold that made them all shiver. Kirhan quickly disrobed and each in turn stepped through, the newcomers first.

Daern, Ranciryon, Taurvantar and Fred each paused in turn and looked behind them at the room and place they were leaving. Though they were well glad to be rid of the place, in each there existed a sense of failure and a desire to return one day and see this place righted once more.
Ranciryon voiced it for them when he said, "Sleep in your evil slumbers, foul Imtarumbar Manse. Know that I and others will return one day to ensure that your evil will plague this world no more. Until then," and saying this he stepped through.

Fred was the last to leave and as he did so, he paused for only a moment, hearing a shuffling sound. There was a voice it seemed - only a whisper. "Fred. Fred my darling little one. Come sleep with us here. Eoras, Englorion and even the dear Ellenya, you shall know them all a friends once more. Come sleep." Fred bolted through the mirrour.

The 26th Day of Ivanneth. T.A. 1640

As the party stepped out onto the streets of the large city they had seen, they were surprised to find that the air was warm and moist, and all evidence of snow seemed to have vanished. Instead, warm rain, like a summer rain, pelted them from above until their outer garments became wet and heavy. Whatsmore, it had been near dark when they had looked through the mirrour, and though the light appeared to still wane, there was still some few moments of it left yet.
"What is this!" Kirahan said, surprised at the change in weather.
But all ignored him as Daern called out, "Look!"
And look they did. Like a doorway suspended in air, the room they had left lay open to them, a slight hint of its charnel odor biting them one last time in their nostrils. Had they wished it, each was sure that here was one last chance to step through and be entombed with the dead of that place. Though repulsive, there was a still a fascination and a desire to step through that each of them felt, as though Imtarumbar, feeling cheated for the taste of new souls, did not want them to leave it. A blue clad figure could be dimly seen, waving farewell, her face sad and lost. Even as the scene faded, two red glowing eyes appeared unseen behind the blue girl and as the doorway vanished, there was caught the first sound of a piercing scream that died at once and became but the sound of rain on rooftops and warm wetness on their faces, like the tears of a child.
A man, wearing a great oilskin cloak and bearing a spear in one hand and a lantern in the other, walked toward them.
"Good eve," he said nodding to them as they past.
"Excuse me, good sir," Taurvantar asked him. "Tell me, where is this place?"
The man paused and looked them over. "This is the High street," he said. "There is the tower of the seers," he pointed at a tall white tower. "Use that as a reference if you're lost again."
"There's quite a view from here," Ranciryon noted. "What lies in that direction?" he asked, pointing off beyond some hills.
The man followed the Numenorean's arm. "That is the road to Rood, and beyond that to dead Annuminas."
"Then that way is south," Clarissa noted. "That would be to Bree."
"Aye," the man nodded. "That is the Men Galen, the road that leads to Bree."
"What lies that way?" Fred asked, pointing out in the direction of the downs that swept askant the city. Looking at them, they appeared like waves of earth and grass, making it seem that Fornost Erain was a ship on land.
"That, young bairn," the guard said, mistaking Fred for a human child, is a way no man should ever have to travel. That way lies Angmar and the cruel legions of the Iron Crown."
Clarissa, feeling the rain on her open palms seemed perplexed. "Tell me sir, what is the day and year in this place?"
"Well you have been gone long," the stranger chuckled. "Tis the 26th Day of Ivanneth, the year 1640 in the reign of His Majesty, King Argeleb II."
"You must be mistaken," Kirahan said. "It should be sometime in the month of Narwain, in the year 1584. Of that I am sure. And certainly it is King Araphor who rules."
The man looked at them all like they were lunatics, escaped from a sick house. "If you'll excuse me, I'm off watch now and late for my bed and supper. May Eru guide you all. You seem in need of guidance."
With their thanks, the man disappeared down the street, shaking his head and once or twice looking back at them.
Kirahan continued to scratch his head. "Has the world gone mad?" he could be heard to mutter.
"Well I'm tired of getting wet," Fred protested aloud. "What say we leave this place?"
"In what direction?" Taurvantar asked.
Fred looked around and pointed downhill. "That way. There must be an inn in that direction. We hobbits can smell ale from a mile off."
"And tell taller tales then their heights suggest," Daern added, chuckling.
Passing by a shop selling arms and weapons, the party stopped to observe the head of a great huge monster, set on a spiked board on display.
"Is that a dragon?" Fred's jaw dropped.
"I suppose it must be," Clarissa said, "though I've never seen one either."
There was a sign under it that in the failing light seemed to say, Killed by,Ivenethor. There was some small wording above the name Ivenethor but none of them could make it out. They went on.
The Party, walking down the wet cobblestones, sought out a place where they could rest and feed. Fred especially seemed eager to find sustenance. Darkness soon cast itself over the city and while rain clouds gathered once more, obscuring the stars, still the mood in the muggy air seemed friendly and light.
"I could eat two horses and a mule," he swore.
"Here's a good place," Kirahan nodded. "What say you all?"
Everyone crowded in the doorway. The signboard above said "The White Cockade" and showed a strutting rooster, hardly white though, preening feathers held high. Warm smells of roasted mutton and pork assailed the party's nose and before a count could be taken, Fred at once entered. The decision already taken, the others laughed and filed in, pushing their way through the crowd. As a group of Dwarven traders were just getting up, Kirahan and Takenya were quick to grab their table. There were protests until Ranciryon came up to add his weight to the argument and all others backed down.
Taurvantar came over to the table with a bucket of ale and several wooden glasses.
"This place has rooms if we want. I tried to bargain them down but the price is tupence (2 c.p.) for each of us per night. But we'll have beds and it will only be two to a room."
"OOhAraBedSgdgood," Fred mumbled as he gnawed on a shank of mutton that he had very quickly procured.
"Where did you get that?" Clarissa asked, enviously.
Fred mumbled again and pointed over to where a young man was snoring in his cups. He had an obviously empty plate.
"You stole it!" Clarissa said, shocked.
Fred at last took his mouth away from the mutton. "Hey, lady! You want to say that a little louder, maybe? I just borrowed it."
"`Ello." A young woman greeted the party while carrying an empty tray, having deposited its contents with the group next to the party.
"And what're you lot be `avin?" she asked, her bodiced white breasts heaving in a manner as she spoke that seemed to capture the fancies of Kirahan and Taurvantar.
"Your best ale, fine pies, mutton, pork savories and, and" Fred stopped to catch his breath, "and drinks for the house!"
"And `oos gonna pay for that then?" the serving wench asked skeptically.
"Will this suffice?" Fred said, taking a jewelled gold goblet out of his sack and thumping it down on the table.
All at once, the noise of the crowded tavern started to die down until all was quiet. Everyone stood up to get a better view of Fred and his goblet.
"Fred, why did you do that?" Taurvantar put his face into his hands.
"Don't worry," Fred tapped Taurvantar on the shoulder to comfort him. "I've got more where that came from."
Fred's announcement caused even more of a stir.
"What's this?! What's this?!" A round tummied man, balding and bearded came up to survey what had suddenly quenched the thirst of all men in the Cockade.
"`Ees offerin ta give us that ta pay for their dinner and drinks for the `ole `ouse," the serving wench told her employer.
The tavern keeper snatched up the goblet. "Es this real?" he seemed to be asking himself. Biting he goblet, he cried out in pain. "Es Westernesse!" he said, admiring the goblet with wonder.
"Awr, you could buy your own tavern wi this," he said. "Drinks are on these fine gentlemen and ladies lads - especially the little beardless dwarven gent!"
There was a roar of hurrahs and claps.on the backs of the party as a huge crowd rushed toward the bar. The tavern keeper returned with his kitchen staff as plate upon plate was piled before the party. Savory pies, sweet pies, roasted mutton, shanks of beef, freshly baked breads, sweetmeats, blood puddings, pasties, boiled potatoes, stewed carrots and greens, gamehens, roasted salmon and trout, venison, pheasant, plates of mushrooms, turnips and roasted marinated duck all made their way to their table along with other goods. Along with this, ale, beer, the finest Dorwinnion wine and rare wines from Imladris and Mithlond, mulled spiced wine, mead, and herbed water were given to the party. A sweet cake with butter icing was even sent for and promised to the party. Meanwhile, young children were seen being moved out and sent outside.
"What's that all about?" Daern asked.
"Oh, don't mind them, sir. You're all staying in my quarters tonight. Only the best for you, then. I'm sending some of me kids out ta sleep in the stables for now."
"But" Daern and the others started to protest.
"Naw! I won't hear otherwise, kind sirs. Those beggers hardly deserve a soft bed and you'll have the best of me. Yes indeed!"

Taurvantar tried to get in on any one of some games of chance. But no matter what he tried, cards, dice, even darts, it seemed he lost. Eyeing Fred, he wondered if he would have fared better if Fred hadn't of been so ostentatious. Seen as a rich mark, Taurvantar didn't think but that he was the victim of professional gamblers who had set their marks on him. After he had lost two gold (2 g.p.), he quit for the moment.
Taking advantage of the good will engendered toward the party by the increasingly drunk clientele, he asked around for what news was happening in the city. It seemed that the usual fearful mutterings where given about orc raids from Angmar and banditry on the great roads. The village of Rood it was said was especially to have become a den of thieves and robbers. King's justice, it was claimed, travelled little beyond Fornost. Many men in their cups called upon the personage of Marl Tarma, great Captain of the Rangers, as being the only man capable of setting things right. King Argeleb was said to be weak and incapable. More interested in gazing at seeing stones than he should. The calls of great families like the Tarmas and Ekettas for an invasion of Angmar went unheeded by the King. Rather, his majesty had gone on record as saying that such a venture would be folly, playing into the Witch King's hands. Many men talked openly to Taurvantar of needing a new king. And who better than Marl Tarma?

As things began to wind down, a new group of travellers entered the tavern. They looked like they had been on the road for many days. Though their clothes were simple, still they were of good quality, indicating that the men had some means about them.

The new group of men asked for mead and ale, but were told that none was available. All had been given out or reserved to the use of the party feasting at the great table nearest to the hearth. The leader of the group seemed to take exception to this.
"Why, Trabas, you've never run dry! What is this?"
"Sorry sir," the tavern keeper seemed very apologetic and obsequious to this man and his retinue. "Those gentlefolk there have bought out me entire stores."
"Yes, I see that they eat very well while my own men go hungry." Suddenly this grey hair man squinted as he looked at the party. Then smiling, he advanced with outstretched arms and clapped Ranciryon and Taurvantar on the shoulders.
"Ranciryon! Taurvantar!" As he looked around, he smiled at the rest. "And Master Fred! How good to see you. Daern!"
"Excuse me sir," Fred said. "Do I know you from somewhere?"
"Oh come now Fred," the grey haired stranger said in a chiding voice. "Don't you know your erstwhile companion, Ordain Pentacost?"
Fred's jaw dropped down. "Ordain! It is you! But," Fred looked at the old man. "You're old!"
"As I should be for a man of eighty some years!" Ordain laughed. But then his laughter stopped. "But you Fred, you seem remarkably well kept." He looked around, suspiciously. "As do you all."
"Eru has been kind to us," Takenya suggested.
Ordain looked at her, not seeming to recognize her. It wasn't strange as they had hardly met. "No, not Eru, but his servant Mandos, I think. It is Mandos' kindness - or perhaps curse - that touches you now."
Inviting Ordain and his retinue over, the party learned that Ordain, having returned the elder Lord Tarma's infant son unharmed, had entered into service with the Tarmas. He was now a Requete, a knight, though he had kept with his arcane studies, his social rank had risen. He was a respected man both in Tarmabar and Fornost.
"Tell us!" Daern insisted. "What happened to the others?"
"Well, Kal also took up his studies and he lives now in a small village in Numeriador. I've visited at times over the years and we've become fast friends."
"And Tirion?" Daern asked, inquiring of his good friend.
Ordain pursed his lips. It was answer enough, but he elaborated for their benefit. "Tirion is dead. He grew to be a mighty warrior, and often fought with the King's Rangers. One of the great ironies of life is that he was killed by a wayward wagon, crushed to death because a waggoner forgot to put a block under his wheel."
"Tirion dead?" Daern was shocked. As an elf, Tirion should have outlasted them all. "When did it happen?"
"Only last year," Daern shook his head. "I am sorry Daern. He would have been so glad to see thee."
Daern nodded sadly, shaking his head as if unable to believe the news.
"But what of the infant?" Ranciryon asked. "What became of him?"
"Why, who'd of though of it!" Ordain clapped Ranciryon on the shoulder. "That little whelp would grow up to become the best warrior in the land - and now he's my liege lord to boot!"
"You mean?" Fred asked, his eyes growing wide.
Ordain nodded, smiling. "Yes! Yes! That little babe is - or was to you all- Marl Tarma, Lord Marl Tarma of Tarmabar!"
Fred dropped his mutton shank.


x.p. Clarissa - 205, Daern - 60, Fred - 145, Kirahan - 145, Takenya - 60, Taurvantar - 295

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