The SONGS of SPRING

HONOR AGAINST FREEDOM

Two guards halted before  the iron door, Raen was sitting at a corner with legs folded to one side. Her faces was hidden from sight, the torchlit cell was small and dry, still and quiet.

Dawn was breaking through the small vertical window overhead, the air was cool and whispering but she couldn't find hope out of it. Raen lifted her eyes as the lock tinked, eager to hear some good tidings from the guards. Slowly, she held her bo by her side and pretended to be asleep.

'You there,' the guard stepped in. 'Stand up if you want to earn your freedom.'

Raen flinched, is she being freed? She moved lazily to her side. 'Is he releasing me?' She meant for Legolas.

'No one can release you from here save the King or the Steward,' says another. 'But, there is another way - if you are brave enough.'

They can't be suggesting my forced exit, Raen thought, and she stood leaning on her bo. She stepped closer to the half opened door and saw there were three Men standing near, two guards and a woman robed in white. But Raen didn't pay attention all too well, fire rekindled in her heart as a new sign of hope arrived. 'How?'

'Fight for it,' the guard said before turning away. Raen was hesitant for she saw malice in their eyes, yet she pondered short and stepped outside of her cell trembling on her knees. They put back her cuffs and took her bo. Two prisoners were already heading out and so she walked along keeping her head low.

The Sun was still sleeping under the horizon and the pavement still grey. Sweet scent of flowers blooming hung in the air, flowing towards Anduin. Raen scuffled behind two guards until they were down and out of the citadel. A massive carven door creeked open and the guards nudged them to board a wooden carriage waiting outside the city gates.  Two more guards joined their company. Helpless, Raen hopped in casting a sullen look at the gates after the guard closed the dooor.

And when the carriage started to wobble and jerk on the road to the Townland, Eänna stood watching in heavy breaths. Long golden hair streamed down her shoulders, bright as the sun began to rise. At length she stood there thinking of her device, smiling faintly as the carriage disappeared to the winding road.

Alas she turned her back and make for the stairs. She must see the new Steward  before Legolas finds out. No later that morning Legolas and Galdohir came down the dungeon and found out Raen had gone. And there was only one place the prisoners would end up to on the ceremonial day - the House of Valor.

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Meanwhile, Raen and the other prisoners were led to a guardhouse, a tall watchtower built in concrete and iron. Walking in single pile, Raen came last. Inside they took the stonestairs leading down the basement where they were locked up again. Outside the Sun has risen and the town begun to buzzle with townfolks eager to witness a yearly event they called Ranger's Day.

At the heart of Pelennor stood an edifice with an open top, it was as tall as a three storey house , walled in a circle and held a thousand seats with a small canopy for the noble guests.

The House of Valor was where the Ranger's of the South dwell, it is a place where one could find both bravery and dread, for though many think it is a place where desires for honor and bravery is fulfilled,  aspiring rangers get to prove their skill by killing hopeful prisoners who would dare contest faith.

'Where are they taking us?' one prisoner whispered.

'To the bowels of Gondor,' said another. 'Where Faith and Judgement means the same. You fight for freedom, win or die, but you kill them and you kill yourself. It is a bitter faith indeed - to die not fighting.'