#orothon

Chapter IX: The Reckoning (Pt. I)

The court began buzzing with delight with news of Lúthien’s return. Iarûr was the only one among us whose demeanor remained solemn. When I had the opportunity later in the evening, I found him in his chambers alone at his writing table. I entered cautiously through is opened door.

“Pleas come in, Orothôn,” he said without looking up form his work.

“I am not interrupting your work,” I asked.

“No,” he said looking up. “There was no work to be done this hour. I was putting my thoughts down for my own remembrance of this day.”

“It is this day I wished to speak to you about,” I said.

“I know,” he sewered. “You are quite perceptive. If you thought the news of this day troubled me, then you were correct.”

“It is wonderful news,” I said. “The return of the king’s daughter will make this kingdom whole once more.”

“You are naive in your optimism,” Iarûr said sternly. “It will serve you well on the darkest night but in the light of day, you must acknowledge reality.”

“I do not understand.”

“N one returns from Angband as they entered,” he said softly. “I can only imagine the horrors of the Lady Lúthien must have seen. No one can witness such evil without losing part of themselves.”

“The king will be happy once more,” I said almost pleading with him.

“Yes, he will,” he agreed. “But it will be short-lived, Orothôn. I am afraid this world will never be the same again. It is changing, my friend. The elements of good and evil have intermingled creating seasons not so easily discernible.”

I could say nothing—I just stood there thinking about those words as they seared a hole in my heart. Now I feared what may come to us upon the return of Lúthien and Beren.--TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 07-06-2020