What are thou fit for, O Culufinnel? Wherefore have I commanded you to watch, wherefore have I endeavored to make you fit. Patience does not wait forever and life does not look back. Now go, swiftly, to the Valley, and show these Noldor what speed looks like!
It was now nearly twelve hours since his brother had spat out these words and the snow had eased a little. Culufinnel was feeling miserable. He was soaked from head to foot and Themodir’s weight was heavy on his shoulders, yet nothing mattered; he did not slacken his steps.
Now the townsfolk, at first beholding the company’s glittering armour and bright shields, gazed on in admiration and waved cloths in welcome, but as the approaching elves drew swiftly closer, for they were flying down the path with all haste from the North Gate, their faces strangely altered, and the waving cloths drooped.
Then Norliriel bid them halt. Themodir was wandering in his senses, raving, poisoned. She wiped froth from his mouth and looked into his face. What should he do? Go to the House, and give a very loud summons for help. So Culufinnel went, and did as he was commanded; he went up to the Last Homely House.
There stood Lord Anglachelm, and beside him, Celephindir, the lord’s most noble guard, and he demanded to know whence Culufinnel came, and what was the cause of his upset. Themodir is injured. And Norliriel commanded me to carry the news to you. Then came forth a girl. She had stood unseen all this while listening under the eaves, and heard all the talk. The light was glowing in her hair; it trembled on her white throat. One of her hands crept up to her cheek. And, looking at her, Culufinnel knew that his message had wounded her deeper than any goblin’s sword. Pity he felt for her, deep and abiding, but he had done his duty.
At last he sank down upon a step. The sun was now low in the heavens and shining full on his face. He hazily watched the elves bustle about, while he could do nothing but watch. A shadow suddenly fell between him and the sun. Looking up, he saw Lord Anglachelm bending over Themodir. And even with no one there to notice, Culufinnel hid his face in his hands and wept.
