The Lonely Star -- Chapter 4

[Mithadan]

Mithadan scanned the broad expanse of the Bay of Belfalas. It seemed little different from the way it appeared (will appear) in the Fourth Age. Yet, his seasoned eye picked out subtle variations. Here a small island where later there would be only a shoal. There a reef where later there would be nothing at all. He sought and found an area where the water was deep both now and two Ages hence and ordered the sails furled.

The flotilla gathered around the Lonely Star. When Mithadan was satisfied with the placement of the vessels, he nodded to Piosenniel. She took the crystal and inserted it into its slot, then closed her eyes, contacting the Telerin ships. A minute later, their surroundings shimmered and, in places shifted slightly before becoming clear again. She looked at the land, still several miles away and said, "This should be the 1000th year of the Third Age."

Mithadan looked about and spotted a familiar isle not far away. "Have the Teleri moor there," he said. "Then we go to Minas Anor. Our friends will require transport up the Anduin."

Bird looked up at this. "I would not exchange the past months for anything beneath the sky," she said. "But this voyage has hardly been profitable. How will we pay for transport? With searooms?"

Mithadan smiled. "Leave that to me..."