Faramir waited until Al-Jahmîr’s footsteps were lost in the general din outside the tent before slumping forward with his elbows on the low table. With the tension subsiding, he was beginning to feel the anxiety he had successfully managed to keep in check throughout the encounter. This had been so close! Too close for comfort, he thought as he fought the temptation to reach up, take off the veil and run both hands through his hair and over his face.
What a stroke of luck that the other had not recognised him – if that was indeed the case. He was not out of danger yet. As soon as Al-Jahmîr found time to think more thoroughly about what he had just learned, and the person he had spoken to, Faramir was convinced he would begin to wonder. Wonder, reflect on details, and reach a conclusion. And then, at the latest, he would call for his guards to detain the fortune-teller and her companions, if only for questioning and a closer examination. By which time they must be far away. Indeed, they must not tarry, they had to consider how to leave quickly and inconspicuously. Despite the possibility of gaining valuable information about the Snake’s plans. Despite him yearning, desperately, for a meeting with Éowyn.
Gently, almost tentatively, the curtains swayed as Lôkhî slid inside. For a moment he just stood gazing at Faramir, then he leaned forward and handed him a cup. “Thought you’d need something stronger than water now,†he said, with a smile.
Faramir straightened, and taking the cup carefully sipped from it. It contained the sharp liquor made from aniseed that was popular in these reaches. “Thank you,†he replied, his voice slightly hoarse. He took another sip, then handed the cup back to Lôkhî and reached for the waterskin they had been given instead. The liquor had made him all the more thirsty. “Would you tell the others waiting outside that the fortune-teller needs a break?â€
“Done so already. Most have returned to the pavilion anyway. Looks like our most gracious host is going to announce a thing or two. He strutted off with a very important expression. Thought you may want to hear it.â€
“Certainly,†replied Faramir, carefully rising to his feet. The tent’s ceiling was too low for him to stand upright. Twice already, he had almost taken down the lamp hanging from the middle when it got caught in his veil. “Did you overhear our conversation?â€
Lôkhî nodded with a grave expression that suddenly turned into broad grin. “You can bet on that – while taking care nobody else could overhear you. And what a tale that’s going to make, eh?†he chuckled, slapping Faramir’s shoulder. “I so look forward to spreading it in town. He didn’t recognise you! Sat opposite you, looked you in the eyes, and didn’t have a clue.†He sighed happily. “That’s more splendid than anybody could invent for a tale.â€
“He may still draw the right conclusions, rather sooner than later, I fear.â€
Lôkhî sobered up a little. “Well, some take a bit longer,†he said confidently. “You’re right, though, it’s going to be doubly dangerous for us now. I know you wish to speak with your lady, but I’m not sure that could be managed.â€
Faramir sighed. “I know. If only I could relay a message. I am not certain she recognised me. In fact, I am not sure I would like her too. I do not wish to add to her worries. Knowing I am here would only cause her anxiety, especially after our performance and the Snake’s visit. I doubt she would approve.â€
“Of your attendance or your attire?†asked Lôkhî with a wink.
“Both, I reckon. She would think we are not taking the situation seriously, dressing up funnily. Risking our lives for a brief visit only, as we have no plan for actually freeing her.†As the thought struck, he frowned, as he had not considered it before.
“What indeed should I tell her?†he inquired, more of himself. “That we have come to see if she is well? She may not be anymore once the Snake finds out we attended his party. He will think her in the know, and punish her. Apparently she has had to endure hardship for the last time we –â€
“Still,†interrupted Lôkhî, “we need more information about her and her condition, and about Marek’s plans. And we managed to get inside, so here’s our opportunity. And as for her, aye, so maybe she’ll be angry with you, but only for an instant, I warrant. And after that, she’ll be grateful to see you.â€
“So you think we should try and meet? Despite the danger? After all, there are others here for the gathering of information. This close encounter with Al-Jahmîr has made things all the more perilous for the three of us. And I dread to think of what may happen to her, if the Snake learns the truth about us, and makes her pay for it.â€
“Yes his visit was unfortunate, despite the great tale it’ll make. Still, quitting the party like that won’t have been worth all the effort we put into getting invited in the first place. Not to mention dressing up like this. And come on, don’t tell me you’re going to manage to leave just so, without even exchanging a few words with your beloved. I know you by now, better than you think. And guess what I’ve learned in the past weeks? That you can be bloody reckless for one so cautious and controlled. And bloody brave for a tark.â€
“Reckless?†Faramir raised an eyebrow, before conceding, “yes, perhaps. But only when my own life is at stake.â€
Lôkhî looked up at him thoughtfully. “Let’s have a look outside, shall we, and see what’s going on there,†he suggested. “We’re going to miss lordship’s speech otherwise.â€
Faramir nodded, still undecided about what further course to take. His mind told him to leave as quickly as possible, while his heart urged him to stay. “Yes, we need to hear what Marek has to declare,†he agreed. “He promised it was going to be interesting.â€
“Let’s hope he’s not going to disappoint,†commented Lôkhî. Holding open the curtains for Faramir, “After you, lady,†he said, with a gallant bow.
+
Outside, the commotion had indeed died down. Most guests had returned to the pavilion and their seats. The servants were making rounds with sweets, fruit and drinks while people were settling down again. Éowyn was still seated at the high table, and seemed to be glancing about searchingly. Who was she looking for? The Snake? Then her eyes found the fortune-teller, and Faramir knew. She was too far away for him to read her expression, but he thought she looked relieved and anxious at the same time. And the intensity of her gaze left him in no doubt. She had recognised him. The thought both pleased and worried him. She had not even seen him up close like the Snake, and yet she had not been deceived by his disguise, showing how well she truly knew him. But then again, perhaps the disguise was not that good after all. And now that she knew he was here, how could he leave without meeting her?
Their silent exchange of glances was interrupted by the return of Aurens. To Faramir’s alarm, he saw Al-Jahmîr talk to the captain of his guard, who swiftly left with a grave expression. Was this because of the entertainers, or their friends outside the castle? He cast a quick glance at Lôkhî who likewise looked tense and worried. Gazing about guardedly, Faramir spotted Mezlâr in conversation with Khorazîr, seemingly about the selection of sweets the “servant†was carrying on a platter. Presently, the guard came over, having relieved Khorazîr of the sweets.
“Apparently Marek has something big planned for tonight,†he said in a low voice, holding up the platter for his companions. “Rumour goes that he wants to set an example of what he has in mind for the tarks and their allies. It is not clear what this implies. Our friends appear to be safe still. In fact, things down beyond the walls seem to be going rather well for them as they are playing hide and seek with Aurens’ soldiers.â€
“Did you learn what orders Aurens just received?†inquired Faramir, helping himself to one of the white, almond-studded squares.
Mezlâr gave a brief nod. “The … er … servant believes it has nothing to do with us or our friends. Rather, it appears to be something Marek wants to show his guests. Must be important, and perhaps even dangerous, otherwise someone else would have been entrusted with it and not the Captain of Guard himself.â€
“Nothing pleasant, by Aurens’ expression,†mused Faramir while taking a bite of the dessert under the veil. It was quite good, although rather sticky, and extremely sweet.
“Speaking of soldiers,†added Lôkhî with a nod towards a couple of guards standing near the entrance of the pavilion, “looks like we have acquired our personal pair of footpads. Apparently Marek wants to make sure we don’t engage in any mischief.â€
“It will be no problem to get rid of them,†stated Mezlâr grimly.
“They are not the only ones,†cautioned Faramir after a guarded scan of their surroundings. “There are at least two more, and they are not wearing the Snake’s livery. The one talking to Ranak, and the tall brown-skinned one tending to the lanterns in the fig-tree. They have been watching us closely ever since we left the tent.â€
“Yes, I know,†said Mezlâr. “But we are not the only ones they keep an eye on. Several of the guests are being observed by them, too. It seems Marek trusts few of his ‘friends’.â€
“If they are indeed his men,†mused Faramir. “Several of the lords and ladies assembled here have brought their own retinue, and their own guards. There appears to be more mistrust and enmity that even Marek anticipates.â€
As he was speaking, he became aware of a servant approaching them. He was not clad like the servants of Ihimbra, but wore loose-fitting light-blue garments of the desert-peoples that contrasted with his brown skin. He was a young man, not very tall, but slender and agile. The way he moved indicated he was only playing the servant. Faramir suspected his true profession to be either a highly trained personal guard, or an assassin. A quick glance at Mezlâr told him that his companion had noted him, too, and was eyeing him cautiously.
The man bowed courteously. “My lady, please forgive the intrusion, but my master wishes to speak with you urgently,†he addressed Faramir, speaking Adûnaic but with a thick desert accent, very similar to the one Faramir had acquired for his part.
“May I inquire who your master is?†he asked, guardedly.
“He is the Lord Fuad Al-Asad, of the Great Dunes. He awaits you at the fountain near the sand sculpture. My name is Husam.â€
“Please tell your master that I do not read any more fortunes for tonight, Husam,†said Faramir, watching the man closely. He dimly recalled having heard his master’s name before, but could not remember under what circumstances. It seemed a long time ago, and not linked to Al-Jahmîr in any way. Still, the invitation was strange. He knew the fountain. Most likely the place would be quite deserted now while everybody was waiting for Al-Jahmîr to make his speech. Why the secrecy, then? And if he left now, he would neither hear the Snake’s announcement nor see what he had planned for the evening. Nor would he be able to watch Éowyn anymore, and lose any opportunity to devise a meeting. What if she had left when he returned?
Husam seemed to notice Faramir’s reluctance and doubt. He took a step closer, causing Mezlâr to reach for one of his daggers. Lowering his voice, he said, “This is not about reading fortunes. My master wishes to speak with you privately, and wishes to do so now while the other guests are being entertained.â€
“There is no privacy here tonight,†stated Faramir, his suspicion growing, “not in this entire castle.â€
The man eyed him shrewdly. “Lord Al-Asad said you might be reluctant,†he said very softly, so that only Faramir could catch his words. “He said you might not wish to leave now, when you can watch your enemy, and you … wife.†He paused at the last word, smiling very faintly, despite not being able to see Faramir’s reaction under his veil. The Dúnadan barely managed to hide his surprise, and alarm.
“But Lord Al-Asad also said it would be important for you to come,†Husam continued. “Profitable, even. And dangerous to stay away. Oh, and you may bring your guard. My master intends no harm. If you come.†With that he bowed again, stepping back. “This way, lady,†he said, loud again and almost cheerfully, beckoning to Faramir and Mezlâr to follow him.
“What’s going on?†asked Lôkhî in alarm as the two, reluctantly, prepared to leave.
“We have a problem,†said Mezlâr grimly.
“Indeed we have,†said Faramir. “It seems that his master, some Lord Al-Asad, knows my identity. He has more or less blackmailed me into meeting him. Inform our special servant. Mezlâr and I are going to meet Al-Asad at the fountain near the sand sculpture. I do not know what his purpose is, but the fact he chose a more or less private spot, and for this particular time, seems to indicate it is a meeting he does not want Al-Jahmîr to know about. Try to remember every word of the Snake’s speech, and have an eye on Éowyn.â€
“I shall. Be careful.â€
+
Choosing those paths only dimly lit by torches and lanterns, Husam led the two round the pavilion in a wide arch. Faramir looked out and listened for any pursuit, either by Al-Jahmîr’s people or more guards from Al-Asad, but the only folk he detected were two couples who had withdrawn into the sweet-smelling bushes, and a strong-voiced woman chiding two young servants over a couple of expensive glasses that apparently had landed on the floor instead of the lord’s table.
The sand sculpture was impressive, and had drawn a lot of excited spectators throughout the day. Now, the two ships engaged in a sea-battle where illuminated by coloured lamps, which were set so that the Umbarian ship was more brightly lit than the other, the Gondorian vessel, which appeared to be losing the fight anyway. But now the sculpture was deserted, as was the paved, circular place of the fountain. From the sculpture, it was reached by a short descent of broad steps, and it was surrounded by flower-beds behind which bushes of triplet-flowers and oleander grew like a wall. Only few lanterns hung in the bushes, causing the waters of the fountain to take on a faintly golden hue. A man sat on the stone rim of the circular basin, watching the fish and water lilies, or so it appeared. Faramir was certain that in truth he was gazing at them with great interest.
He seemed to be alone, and neither the surrounding bushes nor the flowerbeds indicated any disturbance by a person hiding behind the tall plants. Moreover, Faramir did not sense anybody observing them, and usually he could rely on his senses. As they drew nearer, the man rose and turned towards them. He was of medium height and slender build, like many of the desert people. His garments were similar to those of his servant, both in cut and colour, but the cloth was more precious: his over-garments were of silk instead of light wool, and the ornaments on his belt were of silver, opal and small pearls, the latter surely expensive and difficult to come by in the desert. His face was dark, of the weather-beaten, leathery brown of the desert-tribes. Neither he nor Husam wore any tattoos. His hair and beard, short and curly, were tinged with grey, despite him not seeming much older than Faramir. He did not wear any weapons openly, yet Faramir was certain that there was a dagger or even a scimitar hidden underneath his wide burnous. Even though he saw the strange lord now, his name did not make any more sense to him. He could not recall having ever met this man before. What, then, could he possibly want, apart from blackmailing him for a ransom? And how had he found out about his true identity, when even Éowyn had not recognised him immediately?
Al-Asad smiled as they approached, but it was the cautious, guarded smile of a man who knows how to keep his emotions under control. He gave Husam an appreciative nod as the man stepped over to him, to then take up a position next to his master, indicating plainly now his true profession as a personal guard.
“A good evening to you,†the desert-lord greeted them. He spoke softly, his Adûnaic only faintly accented. Either, he had spent much time in the coastal regions of the South where the language was more common, or else he had had a good teacher. “I am pleased you agreed to come.â€
“’Tis not that I had much of a choice, after what Husam indicated would happen otherwise,†returned Faramir curtly, not in the mood for exchanging pleasantries.
“Oh, I hope he did not threaten you,†Al-Asad said pleasantly with a gaze at his guard. “Only, I told him it was important for you to come, and that he had to convince you somehow to leave the … entertainments, for lack of a better description. I am sorry to deprive you of the most beautiful sight you enjoyed there, and if we can believe him, an important announcement from our dear host.â€
“What is this all about?†asked Faramir.
“Not so impatient, dear lady – or should I say lord?†said Al-Asad, settling down on the rim of the basin again, by the tone of his voice clearly enjoying himself. This did not endear him to Faramir. Nevertheless, he stepped over, and gathering together the folds of his dress, took the seat the other was indicating.
“I am convinced there are a number of questions you would like to ask me,†the Haradan began. “But before you begin, let me assure you that I will not reveal your identity to Marek. Why, the man sat opposite you in that tent and did not recognise you. Who am I, then, to enlighten him? So fear not. Even though my invitation may have sounded like blackmail, I told Husam to be so direct, for else you would not have come. Am I right?â€
“Probably,†Faramir admitted, watching the other closely while trying to determine the man’s purpose. He was not able to detect any deceit, however veiled, in the other’s tone or expression. Suspicion remained, however, and extreme caution. Knowing so little about the other, who in turn appeared to have much information about him made him feel vulnerable, and he did not like it.
“Well, I am pleased you proved cooperative,†said Al-Asad, “in this respect at least, and did not try and deny your true identity. You need not trouble about your voice and accent, either – although I am impressed by your acting skills. We are not being overheard. My people made sure of that.â€
“How did you find out who I am? You cannot have recognised me. We have never met before.â€
“True, that we have not. But I admit looking out for you, ever since the abduction of your wife. Indeed, ever since I heard you were journeying in the Harad. When the tidings made the round that you had been slain, I did not believe them, and sent out men to look out for you. One of them is a corsair, on a certain Captain Azrubâr’s ship. From him I soon learned you were alive still. My informants lost track of you then, for a while, until one spotted you in Ihimbra town.â€
“I always wore disguise in Ihimbra,†said Faramir with a frown.
“Ah, yes, and what a pretty disguise it is. But the informant watched you closely for a while, entertaining a certain suspicion about your person: that you were a man in women’s guise – and she guessed right. I believe she saw you at the window of that inn one night, without the veil for once yet wearing the dress.â€
“You seem to have a most efficient net of spies and informants.â€
Al-Asad smiled broadly, his teeth white in his brown face. “I am very proud of it. And now you wonder why I entertain it in the first place?â€
“With a neighbour like Al-Jahmîr?†Faramir shrugged. “Actually, not too much. But why have you been looking out for me? And what do you want from me now?â€
“A long story, too long to tell here and now. But the short version is: we have a mutual friend. Or rather, he is your friend. Me, I believe he does not remember so fondly, if he remembers me at all. It has been a long time since last we met. But I still consider myself in his debt, and should like to repay it – if not to him, then perhaps to his friend who appears to be in dire need right now.â€
Faramir’s eyes narrowed as he watched him. Where had he heard the name before? Who was this ‘friend’ Al-Asad was referring to? Then an idea struck him.
“You mean Túrin?†he ventured.
The other slapped the rim of the basin, smiling. “Ah, yes, that was his northern name. I had forgotten. He went by another amongst us, as you can imagine.â€
Now things fell into place. “You were the man who bought him and brought him to the desert, as a slave,†said Faramir, trying to recall everything that Túrin had ever told him about his forced sojourn in the Harad. There were still things his friend had, quite uncharacteristically, never mentioned, Faramir knew.
“So I did,†admitted the other. “And he must have hated me in these first years, for I was not a kind master. And he was not an easy man to keep, always trying to escape, or work mischief. But I daresay we got used to one another, in the end. Perhaps you know that he saved my life. Rescued me from an attacking lion.†He chuckled softly as if this amused him. “And this was not the only time he saved me. Therefore, I still consider myself in his debt. You know that we desert-folk take matters of honour very seriously, unlike some soft coast-maggots I could name.â€
“You want me to believe that you have been looking out for me to repay your debt, because you lack the opportunity to do so to the man who earned your gratitude?†Faramir gave a short laugh. “Forgive me, but this sounds ridiculous. What is your true purpose, Al-Asad? Why are you here, for example? Marek must have had reason to invite you. You do not talk about him very favourably, but this could be pretence. Many do not like him, indeed despise him, and yet are ready to join him, for profit, or hatred of the tarks, or other, more personal reasons. So, what are yours?â€
Al-Asad watched him with a faint smile. “I was told to be careful around you, because of your quick wit and sharp tongue. You are right, of course. Even though I do indeed feel indebted to Túrin, my purpose both for following Marek’s invitation and for insisting on a meeting with you, his greatest enemy, lies elsewhere. If you must know, once Marek and I were friends. A long story again. It suffices to say that during the War, we fell out with each other. Afterwards, when we had dealings they were purely confined to matters of business. I was actually surprised by his invitation. It looks like he is trying to mobilise whatever allies he can reach. Against you, and against your people. Now, I am not friendly with you Northerners, I admit this freely. Too much has passed between us, during the War and later. But I am not one to close my eyes in the face of new developments. Also, I value peace, and all the commodities it brings. The South paid a high price for it. You won, and let us know you did. But still, it is better than war and strife, and things have been improving constantly. But Marek does not seem to have understood this yet, and wants us to return to the old ways. So how could I support him, if what he has planned goes against my own desire?â€
Before Faramir could interrupt to demand a definition of this desire, Al-Asad went on, “There is another thing. I could applaud his daring venture of capturing your wife, if it had not been so short-sighted. To tease the tarks now and again – why not? They tease us, too. But like this … nay! This is no teasing, this is an open invitation for hard and bitter retaliation. This is madness. To be honest, I do not know what he intends with her. Her abduction was sure to cause trouble, and it seems to me that he did not truly anticipate how bad this trouble is going to be. Once your fleet arrives, I mean. And once you have found a way to deal with him personally.â€
“So, you wish to join the winning side?†asked Faramir.
“Who would want to be on the other?â€
“What convinces you that we are going to win?â€
The Haradan shrugged. “I know Marek. I know his resources. I know most of his potential allies. I have heard a great deal about your King, and about your wife’s brother. And even more about you. Marek has been in many a tight place, but, taking all this knowledge into consideration, I doubt he is going to wriggle out of this one. He cannot run nearly as fast and far as he would need to.â€
“You seem very convinced. But we have still not come closer to your true purpose. Why accost me here, where it is dangerous for both of us? Just to tell me you are on my side? Why should I believe or even trust you? You, a stranger, who openly admits he does not like my people and moreover only values his own profit. Why should I appreciate your support? Al-Asad, what is it you want of me? A plain answer, please!â€
The desert-lord held his gaze, then gave a brief nod. “As you wish. I want to strike a bargain. You are right, I am here for profit. I have decided that Marek cannot provide it, not in the long run. You can. Profit lies in peace. Profit lies in trade, with North, South and East. Profit lies in good connections. Now, does it suffice to say that I have made a name, a good name, with the breeding of horses?â€
Now it was Faramir’s turn to smile faintly. This man was a shrewd businessman indeed. He still did not trust him, but he appreciated his outspokenness. Moreover, the connection with Túrin stood in the man’s favour. His friend had mentioned the other. The story with the lion he had recounted several times. Faramir surmised that if not friendship, then at least a mutual respect had developed between Túrin and Al-Asad. The Haradan was a man to be respected, much unlike Al-Jahmîr. If he was not a prime actor, pretending to value honour and straightforwardness in matters of business. Still, Faramir knew he could rely on his perception in this regard. Al-Asad had given no indication of not speaking his mind, or of deceit, however hidden.
“Aye, it does suffice,†he replied. “Given my connection to Rohan, your purpose becomes much clearer. So, you want me to put in a good word for you with my wife’s kin, in order to provide you with some of their best steeds? Mearas, even, perhaps? They would improve any blood-line. But this is easier said than done. Maybe you have heard how protective the Rohirrim are of their horses. I doubt that even my influence through my wife would be enough to persuade them to part from even one.â€
“Would aid in the rescue of your wife play in my favour?†asked Al-Asad quietly.
Faramir gazed at him long and gravely. The man knew how to bargain. Still, he had expected an offer of the kind, as this was the promise most likely to sway him.
“If the rescue succeeded, surely,†he answered slowly. “The Rohirrim are a generous folk, and for the safe return of their King’s sister, there will certainly be a great reward. But since I am none of them, you understand I cannot make any promises on their behalf – especially none that concern their precious horses.â€
“Of course not. But you are not a man to forget a favour, especially if it concerns retrieving that which is most precious to you, and damaging the man you most hate?â€
“I should be deeply grateful for all the help I receive,†said Faramir, upon which Al-Asad smiled broadly. “And yes, I have a good memory.â€
“This is all I wished to hear. And it suffices for now. We should return to the pavilion. By different routes, preferably.†He rose, and bowing slightly to Faramir, said, “I wish you a pleasant evening, and a safe exit from this most impressive fortress. You will hear from me. My people shall know where to find you. Rest assured that I am not going to betray your confidence and identity. But if you take my counsel, do not linger much longer. Marek’s guards have an eye on you and your companions, and although my people managed to distract them for the purpose of our little conversation, I should not risk any entanglements with Aurens and his men. Farewell.â€
With that, he turned and quickly left, his wide garments flowing. Husam followed like his shadow. Stepping over to Faramir, Mezlâr whistled softly through his teeth. “So this is Al-Asad,†he muttered. “Now I recall where I have heard the name before. The grand-sire of your stallion was one of his most famous steeds. Lord Khorazîr’s brother-in-law had dealings with him, and I remember hearing that he had to pay a lot of gold for acquiring breeding-rights for his mares. He knows how to look after his own.â€
“So you think what he told me was genuine?†inquired Faramir.
“Yes, I do. But I also think that one must tread carefully around him. He did not get where he is now by selflessness and restraint. Still, I believe his claim to oppose Al-Jahmîr. Rumour goes the Snake tried to cheat him over the price of a couple of horses, among other things. I doubt Al-Asad is someone to forget slights of this kind.â€
“Thank you for your assessment, Mezlâr. We should return now, too, to see how Lôkhî is faring. As much as I yearn to stay, unless a safe opportunity arises to briefly meet with Éowyn, I fear we shall have to depart indeed.†He gazed to where the many lights of the pavilion could partly be descried through the trees and bushes, and sighed.
Mezlâr gave him a sympathetic glance. “Mind your voice again now,†he reminded the Dúnadan as they set out. “And your walk.â€
Faramir sighed again. “Next time, Mezlâr, you wear the dress, alright?â€
The guard shook his head. “Next time, it is the Snake’s turn.â€