[Child of the 7th Age]

Orofaniel's post for Galhardir & Rodhal

“Uncle!” Rodhal whispered in his uncle’s ears. “You must wake up,” he then continued. The child’s voice was as comforting to wake up too as a singing bird. Galhardir’s eyes opened slowly as he looked the boy. “I’ve overslept!” he sighed. “Indeed, uncle,” Rodhal then giggled. “Annû and Carandû, the two nice elves, just went out on deck,” he continued. “We must hurry then!” Galhardir then exclaimed.

“Not I, uncle, I’m ready; you must hurry!” Rodhal then said, acting like an adult. “Right you are young lad,” Galhardir said, glancing over at him as he got fully dressed. Then suddenly, Galhardir remembered yesterday evening’s conversation with the elves; the cave of the dead.

Was it responsible of him to bring little Rodhal to such a place when he could hardly speak of it in front of him? Galhardir thought about this awhile and an unpleasant feeling overcame him. No, he couldn’t do it, he said to himself. He couldn’t dare bring his nephew into such danger, especially when he knew all those tales that had been told of old. It was simply something he wouldn’t do to the boy; he loved him too much. And what would his parents say if they knew? His brother, Gonlahr would never forgive him. Galhardir couldn’t risk it. Besides, the only reason his brother, Rodhal’s father had let his son come with Galhardir was because he trusted him. Galhardir didn’t want to loose that trust by doing something as stupid as this.

Galhardir had made his decision; Rodhal would have to stay at the ship as he was too young to come with them. It was his final decision.

“Rodhal, please wait here while I…” he didn’t know how to finish his sentence so he just disappeared out the door. Rodhal didn’t notice and stayed where he was.

Galhardir then walked with stern steps towards Luindal, who was still in his cabin and greeted him politely. “Greeting to you too sir,” Galhardir then said, bowing. “I would inform you that Rodhal, my nephew will of course, not be joining us,” His hands were sweating. Although he was sure Luindal would agree, he wouldn’t want to see the disappointment in Rodhal’s eyes.

“Of course!” Luindal said, looking at him gravely;” It would be folly to take such a young lad to such a place,” he then continued. My words exactly, Galhardir thought. “Aye, sir,” Galhardir nodded.

“Then I guess, we should be ready..” Luindal said. “The boy may stay at the ship in the cabin,” he said, but hesitated; ”If he wants to, he can climb up to the lookout tower and keep an eye on what is going on around the ship,” Lunidal then said smiling. “Aye sir, thanks. I think he’d like that,” Galhardir said. He was very grateful for Luindal’s kindness. Now Rodhal would have some adventure to go on while he was away,

“Thanks again sir,” Galhardir then said. “I’ll go inform the boy and then go on deck to board the boat,” he said looking at the boats that were almost ready to go.

“Alright, but hurry, the boats are leaving any moment now.

Galhardir didn’t know how to tell Rodhal this, but some way or another he just had to explain to the boy that this was for his own best. He slipped inside the door and met the eyes of Rodhal.

“Well, boy…” he started. “It is best if you stay here at the ship while the elves and our kin leave for the cave,” he then continued. “But while we’re away you are allowed to climb to the outlook post a…” the boy interrupted; ”Of course uncle…you didn’t expect me to go inside the cave?!” The boy exclaimed. Galhardir was stunned by these words and gazed upon the young lad. “It’s too dangerous for me. I’m not old enough…besides, I don’t think papa would appreciate that…” he said innocently.

Galhardir admitted that he was surprised by these words, but very comforted and happy. “Oh…Of course,” he then said, pretending that he’d never had the intention of brining him along. “I’ll wander about the ship…” the boy said dreamily. “Alright then…” Galhardir then muttered. “I’ll be expecting to see a new captain on the ship the when I return,” Galhardir then said merrily, returning to his calm, relaxed and merry mood. Even though he was about to face something he knew would be dangerous he wasn’t worried. Rodhal would at least be safe.

“Uncle…you must hurry now,” Rodhal then reminded him. “Of course,” Galhardir then said, giving the boy a hug. He didn’t even bother to remind him to be a “good boy” as he knew Rodhal would act more responsible than he would in the next couple of hours.

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