The White Horse Inn, Act III

[Nurumaiel]

Maercwen studied Jesia carefully. No, she could see no evil in the old woman's eyes. What concerned her uncle so? "I will tell Hearpwine thus," Mae said, taking the bracelet back and looking at it with some interest. "I still do not understand what this circlet is, though. I would beseech you to put it more clearly."

Jesia shook her head. "If you have a mind to think, use it," she said. "I have explained it clearly enough, but you have not given yourself time to muse over what I might mean." Maercwen nodded doubtfully and slipped the bracelet back into her pocket. Jesia's eyebrows raised slightly when she saw this. "Why do you not wear it, Mae?"

The girl blushed slightly. It seemed very foolish, what her uncle had said, but she did not want to disobey him. "My uncle bid me not wear it." She blushed more at Jesia's chuckle. "He was doubtful about it... I do not believe he thinks it holds some curse, but he does not like it." She would have said no more, but an urging to question further fell upon her. "Do you have any idea of why he does not like it?"

******************

Asad's song ended, and Liornung nodded approval as he stepped into the Hall once again. He saw Hearpwine standing by the young man who had just sung, but he did not let his stare linger there long. His eyes moved over the Hall, seeking Maercwen... and not finding her. He grew worried. Perhaps she had been at the horse events but he had not seen her? Impossible. His eyes were too good to miss her, and he had searched the crowd many times. Where else could she be if she were not here? Could she have gone back to the Inn? No, he would have seen her in that case.

He moved skillfully through the crowd in the Hall, hoping not to attract the attentions of anyone but Hearpwine. He touched the young man's shoulder softly, but hesitated when their eyes met. Was it wise to tell him now when he was so concerned with the Contest? "Good Hearpwine, I beg you not to fret yourself," he said, "but I cannot find Maercwen. I do not call upon any action from you, but I thought it unjust to refrain from telling you."

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Hearpwine’s attention was immediately seized from the kind words of Asad by Liornung’s news. Knowing already that Mae was not in the Hall, Hearpwine could not help but look about him for the sight of her face. Asad noted his distraction and quietly asked what was amiss. The next contestant was taking the floor and tuning her harp, and the people about Hearpwine and his companions looked at them with stares clearly meant to quiet them. Not a few of the faces he saw were openly shocked that the two men who were causing the disruption where those who had just finished singing! To avoid their stares, Hearpwine moved to the back of the Hall to speak with Liornung privately. Much to his surprise, the young man Asad joined them.

Hearpwine was abrupt. “When did you last see her? Did she get lost in the crowd?”

“I parted from her in the crowds about the fairgrounds.”

“And you did not go with her?” Hearpwine tried not to let the note of panic overtake his voice.

Liornung shook his head and cast his eyes to the floor, saying only, “My mind was on other matters. When I returned to the Inn I remembered that Mae was supposed to return to Aylwen, but when I went looking for her, I could not find her in the crowds."

Hearpwine's brow furrowed. "Why did she want to go about alone like that? Did she wish to see more of the horsemasters?"

Liornung's face lit up with sudden remembrance. "The bracelet!" he said. "She was curious about the bracelet the old woman gave her. Perhaps she went back to speak with her of it!"

Asad’s face creased with a slight frown. “If the lady did speak with my grandmother she will be sure to know what’s happened with her. Let us go and ask her where Mistress Maercwen has gone.”

Hearpwine and Liornung protested that they did not want to drag Asad away from the contest, particularly after he had sung so very well, but he was insistent. As their disputation was beginning once more to earn them some pointed looks they made for the door and slipped out as quietly as they could. As they stepped into the sunshine a wisp of the woman’s song came to Hearpwine like the scent of a fine flower on the morning breeze, and his heart longed to turn his feet about. But the duty he felt he owed his friends, and the worry that he felt for Mae in his own heart, drove him onward. They paused to speak quickly with the Guard Wolfstan. They asked if he had seen Mae and described her quite closely. “Nay,” he replied, “I have not seen her since she left the Contest with Master Liornung. You should return to the Hall and wait there, she is bound to turn up.”

“No,” Hearpwine said, “we are quite worried for her. We will look about Edoras for her. Should she come here, though, will you tell her to wait with you until we return?” Wolfstan nodded, a slight smile playing about his mouth. At this reassurance, Liornung, Asad and Hearpwine ran down the steps of the patio and moved into the crowds.

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

"Well, dearie," Jesia contemplated what answer to give young Mae. "Perhaps he fears what he does not know..."

"My uncle fears nothing," Mae interrupted, with a slightly stubborn tone in her voice. Jesia smiled at Mae's protection of her uncle. She was a smart girl.

"Well, then he is a smart man. For nothing in life is to be feared, only to be understood. Maybe this is why your uncle dislikes the idea of my bracelet. Perhaps he does not understand it. If he wanted to understand it, he could, but methinks your uncle is gathering bundles of sticks to build a bridge that he will never cross. Now, Mae, where is your accompanament? I do not think it is a safe thing for a young lady like yourself to be out alone."

"You sound like my uncle," Mae scoffed, but she hid the sudden worry in her eyes well. Jesia wondered if she'd forgotten to get back to her uncle or back to Hearpwine.

"I said he was a smart man, and so I am glad to be likened to him."

---

As the three men worked their way through the crowds, Asad grinned back towards Hearpwine. "I hate to draw you away from your victory, friend!" Asad called back, then furrowed his brows as he turned back to the crowded path before him. Friend? Asad wondered at the words that had come from his lips. I hardly know him! Then Asad thought about these musings for a moment. Perhaps it is just a strange connection...

"Do not be too upset, I do not think I will miss much," Hearpwine replied tersly. While Asad could see the gratitude in his eyes at the compliment, Asad could also see the worry and upset nature that had overcome him since leaving the Hall. Do not doubt yourself, good Hearpwine! Asad cried inwardly. My grandmother saw something inside you, and I can see the passion and determination in your eyes!

The group quickly reached the booth where Jesia worked day in and day out. Asad hopped the flimsy wooden gate and tapped on his grandmother's shoulder, for she was turned to the opposite street and lane of crowded traffic. When she turned around from her customer, she grinned at her grandson and put her hands in a firm grip on his shoulders.

"Asad! How did you do?"

"Grandmama! Where is the girl?" Asad asked, and gestured to Liornung and Hearpwine. Jesia bowed to the worried men, and stepped out of the way to reveal Mae on the other side of the booth. Her eyes were locked on the bracelet still, until she looked up and saw her uncle and Hearpwine.

[Nurumaiel]

Liornung sprang forward with a cry of joy, delighting that Maercwen had been found. She put out her hand and gave the bracelet to him. "Here, uncle," she said, and nothing more. He took it and fingered it carefully before looking up at her. "Why did you return here without seeking my permission first?" he demanded.

"I did, uncle, and you gave it." She stared up at him in bewilderment and he passed a hand over his brow, saying, "There has been some confusion here, I think. Never mind. We will clear it later."

"Uncle... Jesia says you fear this bracelet because you do not understand it. Is this so?"

Liornung gazed thoughtfully at the bracelet, running his finger over it. "I told you already, Mae," he said. "I do not understand it. I do not fear it, either. I merely do not like it. I told you... I do not believe that a mere trinket can change man's fate. Besides, your parents would not approve of such enchantments. Let us leave it at that for now. Did you learn what it said?"

"Yes, and Jesia has bid me tell Hearpwine as well." Mae turned her eyes to the young man. "'He who sings scares away his woes.' That is what the inscription says."

"And very true, Mae. Nevertheless I do not like a niece of mine dealing in enchantments."

"I see." Maercwen touched it and frowned slightly. Then, sighing, she took it from her uncle and held it out to Jesia. "Will you take it then?" she asked. "I would not disobey my uncle."

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

"I think that you should be yourself first, and be subject to another second. Your uncle protects you well, Mae, and no road is long when you are in good company. But Mae, I gave this to you, and it is yours to keep. I will not accept a returned gift, I fear," Jesia smiled slyly, looking over to Hearpwine. "Perhaps another will accept it...one who need not fear disobaying Liornung."

Casting her eyes downward to the bracelet, Mae sighed and looked to her uncle. Jesia and Asad followed her eyes to Liornung. Asad could hold his tongue no longer.

"If I may speak, sir Liornung?" Asad requested quietly, and Liornung's eyes shot from Mae to the dark-skinned boy who spoke. Liornung nodded solemnly, refusing to steal another glance at the bracelet. "Sir, I feel that the point to all this is that the luck lies not in the bracelet. It lies inside the person."

"What do you mean?" Hearpwine asked, speaking up and voicing the question that was in everyone's face - even Jesia's.

"I think that a man can believe in luck if he wants...if it gives him more confidence. I feel like that is all luck is - confidence in oneself. Perhaps grandmama only gave the bracelet to instill a sense of hope in Hearpwine and Mae, or at least provoke some sort of thought within them. If this did not happen, then I speak it now in explanation. I do not think she meant it to create such a stir with you, sir Liornung."

Jesia's black eyes twinkled with mystery as she nodded and turned to look Liornung eye to eye. "Some things you catch and learn, others you miss by never reaching out to grab them," Jesia murmured darkly. "And though you may lose your chance, you should never lose the lesson in missing that chance."

If they do not understand her words, someday they will stumble across a fork in some road and think of the old, poor merchant woman with the dark hair and skin. They will remember this day, I hope. Asad thought.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Now that Mae had been found, Hearpwine was all but jumping out of his skin with impatience to return to Meduseld. He listened politely as Jesia spoke with Liornung and watched as his friend took in what the older woman was saying. He realised that the matter of the bracelet had reached an impasse: Mae could not keep it, Liornung did now want it, and Jesia had forsaken it. With the easiest manner he could manage amid his anxiety, Hearpwine reached out and gently took the bracelet from Mae’s hands, saying gently “If it’s not overbold of me Mae, I think that it might be a good idea for me to have that trinket. Not to keep as my own, but to hold for you until you wish to claim it.” And so saying he placed it upon his own wrist. Whether it were magic or not he could not tell, but he did feel an immense relief that the matter had been dealt with and he was free to return to the Contest.

“Now, Mae,” he said jovially, “I am afraid that you are wanted at the Inn by Miss Aylwen, who I am sure is becoming quite aggrieved with your uncle and I for having kept you away this long.” Mae pouted (quite prettily) but did not disagree, for she was aware of the conditions that the Innkeeper had placed upon her attendance at the Contest. Hearpwine turned next to Liornung. “My friend, I wonder if I might ask a favour of you? I am positively burning with desire to return to the Hall to hear the other bards…”

“And,” Liornung interrupted his quietly, “to hear the judgement of the King, no doubt!”

Hearpwine laughed and his friends were glad to hear it, for it was the first sign of his accustomed good humour this day. “Aye, and to await the King’s judgement, be it for good or ill! Would you mind escorting Mae to the Inn yourself? I am sure that Asad wishes also to return to the Hall with me.” The youth nodded and looked as though he would spring up the hill that moment. Hearpwine continued, “Once Mae is safely stowed with Aylwen, I am sure that you would still have time to hear the last of the bards. I hate to ask this of you my friend, but…” Liornung cut off the young man with an easy gesture of his hands, and assured him that he was happy to take Mae in hand. Hearpwine smiled with relief and turned to leave, but not before pausing to say to Mae, “I am glad you were in the Hall this day, to hear me sing. Perhaps when I return to the Inn, I will do so with good news!” Mae smiled and said that she hoped this would be so.

Without waiting for another word, Hearpwine and Asad rushed back up the hill toward the Hall of the King. As they went, Asad returned to the topic he had addressed before the adventure with Mae. “You sing very well, Master Hearpwine,” he began. “I fear for my sake, and the sake of all the bards gathered this day, too well!”

“Aye,” he replied, “I did feel as though I was in good voice, and the song did seem to go to the heart of the King and his lords. Lady Éowyn, I thought, was particularly moved, for I saw her dashing away a tear – so strange that a woman of such stern and noble matter would be moved to tears in that manner! But she loved Theoden well.”

Asad paused for a moment before speaking again, unsure of how to broach his question. “Your lay was not entirely as things happened though, was it? As I have heard tell of that day, Éomer did not bear Theoden from the field, and he was not laid on his bier in the company of the Lady Galadriel until nigh on midsummer when he was brought back to Rohan in honour.”

Hearpwine’s brow furrowed somewhat as he replied. “I thought long on just that point as I wrote that song. It seemed to me, though, that it was more important to get the truth of his passing right, rather than the mere events. It would not make for much of song should I tell of the endless weeks that Theoden lay waiting in a cold tomb of stone for his journey back to the green fields of his lands.”

Asad nodded but said nothing in response, for they had reached the great door of the Golden Hall once more, and with a quick nod to Wulfstan, passed once more into the light and song that filled it.

[Nurumaiel]

"Uncle..."

Liornung looked down at this niece with a smile. She had a puzzled look on her face, a look of bewilderment and confusion. She did not return his look but merely stared at the ground as they moved towards the Inn. "Uncle, Jesia spoke as though you had missed something very great. She spoke of you losing a chance and learning a lesson. What does that mean?"

"Apparently she thought I was very foolish about the bracelet," he said. For a moment Maercwen thought he was not going to say anything further, but after a brief pause he continued. "I lost that chance, she says. I lost nothing, but gained much. The only thing I did not reach out and take, as she puts it, was the bracelet. I took more wisdom, however. Mae, everyone seems to consider me the foolish bard who doesn't know anything about the War. I... I'd beg to tell the truth now. I say I didn't fight but I do not mean it except in a sense."

Maercwen's eyes widened and her breath quickened. "I keep much of my past hidden from young and old people," he continued. "Indeed, I believe it's only your mother and father who know. But I tell you because this bracelet has a very valuable lesson to teach... not about luck and confidence or any other such thing, but something I can hardly explain. So I'll tell you... I can understand Hearpwine's longing to be Bard of the King. For a brief time I was also Bard of the King... to our dear King Theoden."

Maercwen stopped abruptly, but said nothing. Her eyes clearly showed what she was thinking. She could not believe what he was saying.

"I say a brief time for it was no more than a year. Troubles came then and I left him, though I did not desire to. I returned one day and found he was not right. I could not grasp what was wrong with him. It did not seem like illness, yet it did. And then, to speak very briefly for you will learn this in your history books if they speak at all of King Theoden, an old man came and spoke to him. And he was King again." He paused and looked off into the sky, remembering things long past. "This old man I heard called 'Gandalf.' He was not unkind to me. I was like young Hearpwine... very confident of myself and assured of my talent, for light and carefree. I was still a boy, like he is now. I think I amused this Gandalf somewhat with my ceaseless songs and my fiddle. And then one time... I recall not when it was, whether it was before or after the great battle of Pelennor, where our beloved King fell... It has left my memory when, for the words he spoke to me have banished thoughts of all else on that occasion. But he was there. Gandalf was there, and I was nearby, singing a silly little song which was centered around the luck of one man. When I finished I looked at him. I always sought the approval of those who seemed high and mighty. And he spoke to me. 'Your voice rings true, as do the strings of your fiddle,' said he, 'but I wonder whether the words of your song are true? Do you really believe in chance, or luck as you put it? Do you really believe it was chance that brought the minstrel of Gondor to your doorstep, the stone that started the avalanche of your journeys? Do you really believe it was chance that made you Bard of the King? Do you believe it was luck? Or do you believe there was a purpose for it all, that it was planned, that a one inspired the Gondorian minstrel to travel to Rohan so he would meet you and your life might go as it has thus far?' I did not know what to say. A glimmer of wisdom shone upon me. 'Think upon it,' he said, and no more. I was quite an expert at judging the moods of men even then, and I could tell he was recalling the past. It was not the first time he had spoken thus to one. I never saw him again after that.

"You see, Mae, I believe what he spoke was true. Chance? How could chance ever chance so much, in such an orderly way? Do you realize that if this foolish 'chance' did not come Hearpwine would not stand before the King today? Recall that it was I who moved him to be a bard when I went to his estate one day. Think of all the things that have happened just because one minstrel came to my door. Think of how orderly it all is. Luck? I scorn how ridiculous it is. The old man was right. It was planned. By whom? I know not. But it was planned, and luck and chance are mere nothings that do not exist. Now you, little one, think upon the words of the old man and see if he was not right." He fell silent, and Mae fell into thought. She did not want to consider what the old man had said. It was too frightening to think someone was planning everything that happened to her uncle... and to her. But she considered her uncle's past... he had fought in the War after all, and he had once been Bard of the King.