One had much to think of. Lost memories of my parents, Taol and Migyon returned to thought... Would Lirita and I remain here in Evendim among the Wardens of Annúminas... Who would next try to claim the bounty on my head...
I stood on top of the monument at High King’s Crossing, watching over the land beneath. I would be a liar if I did not say my thoughts lay elsewhere. Lirita soon joined me, wrapping her arms around my waist. She did not utter a word knowing I was lost in wonder, past and present. We stood as such for a period of time, as the sun rose beyond the hills. We were truly blessed to witness such a sight, yet I regret my mind did not appreciate the moment. It was then, that a man by the name of Kevran approached us. From the moment I saw Kervan, I disliked the man. His eyes would linger to long, in Lirita’s direction.
“Calenglad has requested you, Grey Warden.”
Shaking my head, I would pass Kevran and notice once more his lingering gaze. Once descending the monument, Lirita would link arms with me. She would whisper to me not to fret over Kevran. Her heart belonged to the Grey Warden and forever will. She would never speak my name, amongst the company of others. I rode back to Tinnudir, Calenglad stood fully armed as he awaited my arrival. “Annúminas awaited us” he said, mounting his horse. Lirita climbed down from Illith, who she presented to me after the terrible fate of Aermhar. She would smile gleefully at me and patting Illith on the neck as Calenglad, myself and a few other Wardens rode for Annúminas.
Though this is my ancestral home, it did not make me feel that I belonged trying to reclaim it. The other Wardens, did not share the compassion that Calenglad had shown me that first night. May it have been only for the fact, he knew my parents? I certainly did have many questions for Calenglad, though now was not the time. Many Dúnedain where trapped within the walls of Annúminas, as the Angmarim had reclaimed the main gate. Our job was simple, claim the gate back and vanquish the Angmarim who now reside there. My wounds would have healed quite sufficiently now and I believe that Calenglad brought me to test my worth.
We arrived at the gate and to no surprise, the number of Angmarim outnumbered us three to one. One Warden spoke low, saying the element of surprise would be our best chance to thin their numbers. It would appear we would all stand in agreement, spreading out and drawing our bows. At Calenglad’s command we struck. Arrow after arrow, Angmarim began to fall. The brother beside me was unlucky though. An Angmarim Archer struck him down with his crossbow, impaling him in the neck with the bolt fired from two hundred yards away. An incredible shot, though crossbows are a tricky weapon to truly master. Reloading took time, far more than it would to draw another arrow. I avenged the man, piercing the Angmarim in the eye and dropping him to the ground.
“Charge!”
Angered by the death of his brethren, Calenglad ordered us to charge the gate. I drew my sword, as did the others and dashed quickly at the remaining Angmarim. It was a slaughter. The Angmarim fell hard as the other Wardens began to cheer in victory, though something did not feel right. I glanced upward at a crack within the ruin, it was then I saw it. Another Angmarim Archer, fired a bolt upon Calenglad and struck him in the shoulder. I hoisted him upon my shoulders and ran, as a rain of bolts and arrows flooded the main gate’s courtyard. I never knew the fate of the others, but I knew I must help Calenglad. I threw him over Illith’s back and mounted her quickly, riding hard back towards Tinnudir.
I called for help, as soon as Tinnudir was in my sights. I could see Lirita amongst others, run towards Calenglad and I. Till this day, I remember the screams of pain from Calenglad as they removed the bolt and closed the wound. Kervan had come into the keep, shaking his head at me as if it was my fault Calenglad had been struck. Though he would be fine, the look that Kervan gave me almost made me believe I got Calenglad killed. My temper was not within my control... Punching Kervan in the face, may have been extreme and come to haunt me in later days. Lirita grabbed me by the belt, tearing me away before more damage could be done.
She assured me that Calenglad would be fine, even telling me that the man himself would answer more of my questions in due time. But what I did to Kervan was unacceptable. He was my brethren, my kin and I should respect him as I would all others. I think that is where my problem lay... No one showed me any respect, so why should I? Because I am the newest man to enter there camp? Gwaith then came out the room, finding Lirita and I. She held the steel bolt in her hand, offering it to me.
“Calenglad wanted me to give you this... He said he owes you a great debt for saving him.”
I never did understand the meaning to it, but I accepted the bolt. That night, I sat by the camp fire just staring at it. I could see Kervan in the distance, scowling at me with his black eye. This would bring a faint smile to my face, before feeling a hand rest on my shoulder. It was Calenglad. His shoulder bandaged, yet he seemed well. Calenglad sat down beside me and looked over to the steel bolt that struck him.
“You have Taol’s temper... When your mother, Migyon fell pregnant she wanted to return to the see the White City. I pleaded for them not to leave, though wished for them to do so. Attacks from Annúminas where more frequent back then. I would not have wanted the child to fall in such an attack. When they died, some of us including myself came in search for you all. Your father’s brooch was all we could find. Though you only had them a few years, I stand by my wish and not my plea. Thank you... Valindal... I am glad you returned.”
His words somewhat comforting, yet upsetting all the same. As Calenglad stood, I shed a single tear in memory of my parents. I wiped it away, quickly as I grabbed the man’s leg. I had not found the need to furfill any deed or duty that was thrust upon me. But my respect for Calenglad grew that day. I looked up to the man, uttering four little words that earned me his respect that night.
“Your Will... My Hands...”
