I have not written in my journal for some time, for it happened that a force of Malledhrim encircled my camp and sprung out from all sides, and they bound my wrists and feet together, and seizing me, set me on the back of Morlanthir. And in this most ignominious position I was taken back to Thangúlhad and brought before Commander Rodelleth in a wretched condition, with leaves and sticks knotted in my hair, and wearing my old filthy shirt.
She gave me a mighty stern look, and tried to stare me out of countenance, but I held firm, and met her stare back with cold disdain. Then she said that I might care to know that Culufinnel’s career with their corps was ruined, and he left the Host in disgrace, but before he rode off, he swore a dreadful oath that he would not rest until he found me, and he would even refuse Mandos’ summons if he were slain, and his houseless spirit would search for me forever. Therefore, they had wanted to warn me of this, as Commander Rodelleth said that she did not want my blood on her hands.
I was, I confess, a little troubled to hear this, but I replied that these are but foolish fears, and not to be set to heart, nor given much thought. I demanded to know why I was carried from my dwelling by the river’s edge, when her soldiers could have simply told me this news! The Commander held up her hand and ordered me to hold my insolent tongue, and reminded me that I had stolen her brother’s horse and that Handelen had been wronged.
I said that I would have returned Handelen’s horse, if I could, but I had many troubles since I left Thangúlhad. I did not intend to take Morlanthir, but I was affrighted for my life with Culufinnel stricken mad out of his wits, what few he had, and I thought the soldiers were going to take me back to serve in the ranks of the Golden Host. Rodelleth laughed most uproariously, and it was very ill-bred of her. She informed me that I was unfit to serve in the Host, and had I not been rejected from their ranks, she would have me punished for leaving the fortress without permission, and she would have demoted me, but as it stood my rank was already the lowliest, and she would need to create an even lower rank, just for this purpose, and I was not that important. And it was useless now, seeing as I was released from her service, but not from her custody.
I think she could have chosen her words with a bit more tact. I perceived immediately that she was vexed to the blood because I went away discontented, choosing not to follow her illustrious Golden Host, something she is not a little proud of, and because I would not confess my fault with my brother and ask pardon for borrowing Handelen’s horse as she wished. I was ready to burst with anger, but I controlled myself, and was quite cool in my reply. I told Rodelleth that she is very unwise to talk so high and to no purpose, and that fear of the troubles of the times hath made her silly in the head; nothing she said was worth hearing, and that we shall all be ruined very speedily by her rash authority. This made her horrid angry, and I was surprised when she cried to her guards to take me, an impudent rogue, away to the gloomy tower of Nothgar, because I had wasted enough of her time and she would consider what to do with me later. But I scoffed and shouted that I was glad to be rid of her company as the guards dragged me away.
