Chapter 300: Footsteps of the Younger Generation
Plans finalized, highest-level authorization obtained, the project commenced. Construction and guard teams swiftly arrived at the Framsburg ruins in the northernmost Anduin valley, pressed tight against two mountain ranges.
North of these ruins lay the Grey Mountains, containing a destroyed dwarf settlement—Dáin's Hall.
Of course, this Dáin wasn't the Dáin of the Iron Hills. This Dáin was Thorin's great-grandfather, Dáin I. The Iron Hills' Dáin Ironfoot was known as Dáin II.
Centuries ago, Dáin I ruled this place as king of the Grey Mountains dwarves. A dragon slew him before his own hall gates, and the settlement fell into ruin shortly after.
Afterward, dwarves moved to the Lonely Mountain, establishing another Kingdom under the Mountain. This new kingdom was led by one of Dáin I's descendants—Thorin's grandfather Thrór, who became the first King under the Mountain.
Then northern men established Dale at the mountain's foot, encountered the fire-drake Smaug, and so history continued until today.
Watching the bustling construction teams at the ruined city, Levi conceived ideas. Given time, perhaps that lost dwarf settlement could also be recovered.
New construction progressed smoothly.
In 2972, Buckland expanded northward along the Highway, all the way to the Framsburg city ruins at the mountain range's end. A new defensive line was established here. Gundabad Mountain orcs' movements became increasingly difficult—they could only retreat further into the mountains. Evil creatures occupying Dáin I's hall ruins sensed ominous premonitions, as if great disaster loomed.
Thus, as expansion proceeded, all valley gaps between the Woodland Realm and Gundabad Mountain were completely filled.
Following the northern construction, the southern region of the Anduin valley wasn't neglected either. That same year's end, Buckland construction teams headed to the Gladden Fields—precisely where Isildur was attacked, Gollum found the Ring, and Saruman found the Star of Eärendil. They built an outpost here, dispatching people to garrison it. Henceforth, this marsh remained under surveillance.
Having handled matters here, in 2973 Levi traveled southward, crossing the North Bridge to reach Rohan's northern highlands, then following the Folde road all the way to Rohan's capital, meeting Thengel.
The old friends' reunion naturally brought joy, though besides reminiscing, Levi was curious about other matters.
"How's Thorongil recently?"
"Oh, that young man." Thengel's expression turned reminiscent. "He performed quite valiantly on battlefields and very boldly. Several times, his troops drove Dunlendings beyond borders. Then there were orcs from who-knows-where. Once, when attacked by orcs, he killed twenty alone. You can ask Théoden about this truth—they fought side by side."
"Yes, Uncle." At that moment, Théoden stepped forward, greeting Levi.
Current Théoden was still quite young, not yet thirty, at his most vigorous, appearing thoroughly spirited. He currently holds Rohan's Marshal position. Actually, every Rohan heir trained in this position before becoming king. It was the crown prince's inherent role.
Thengel should also have first served as Marshal before becoming king, but he was rather unconventional—running away from home upon reaching adulthood, causing the Marshal position to fall to others.
"What about you, Théoden?" Levi casually asked.
This single question immediately deflated Théoden.
"Eleven. Perhaps my skills are still lacking."
"Not bad either." Levi patted his shoulder encouragingly. "Already a qualified warrior."
Théoden straightened his chest, spirits restored.
"Oh, wait, let me see that." Levi pointed at his chest.
Théoden looked down, slightly startled, pulling out the charm beneath his clothing. Levi reached out, receiving it. When the charm touched him, the staff's essence began decreasing while the charm gradually brightened as the staff's essence diminished.
Before long, it was fully charged, radiating luster again.
"Seems it suffered a slight depletion in previous battles. All better now." Levi returned the charm to Théoden.
Théoden observed the now considerably brighter charm, nodded, and carefully stored it away.
Levi continued asking, "Where's Thorongil? I don't seem to see him."
"He left," Thengel answered for Théoden. "Recent years' warfare hasn't been so tense. Perhaps he also plans resting awhile."
Rest? Levi smiled slightly, saying nothing more.
Aragorn wasn't someone who could rest peacefully. At this time, he'd most likely gone to Gondor, probably with a grey-robed old man accompanying him. Ecthelion would greatly welcome Gandalf—those two would have plenty to discuss.
"Well, I must visit elsewhere, calling on other old friends."
"Won't you stay longer in Rohan?" Thengel urged him to remain.
"Recently, matters are fewer. I specifically learned several dishes, wanting to personally try making them." Levi paused, speaking rather tactfully. "Better not. Given opportunity, next time I'll properly teach you how to make delicious things."
"That's regrettable." Thengel appeared somewhat lonely.
"Father, you're interested in this?" A voice lit up his eyes.
Théoden said curiously, "I've never heard you mention this, nor seen you enter the kitchen."
"My good son, I indeed haven't mentioned it. I see curiosity in your eyes. Remember coming home for dinner tonight—I'll prepare a lavish feast."
Théoden nodded, anticipation growing.
Levi hesitated to speak, ultimately deciding not to disturb this rare father-son family gathering moment. Hopefully, next time I see Théoden, he can still maintain such smiles.
As Levi said, he didn't stay long in Rohan. After chatting and reminiscing with Thengel a while, he departed, heading straight for Gondor.
Following the North-South Road eastward, passing the small island they'd all surveyed together years ago, Levi looked up distantly, discovering it had been thoroughly rebuilt. Waves crashed against high-built walls, raising piles of white foam. Soldiers patrolled in squad after squad, expressions solemn, standing guard above.
Seems Gondor's development these years went well.
That evening's dusk, Levi entered the White City.
Upon entering the gates, noisy commotion attracted his attention. Surrounding residents all displayed joyful expressions, appearing quite excited.
"What happened?" Levi randomly approached someone for conversation, immediately causing another round of exclamations.
"Is it truly you, my lord? Oh, forgive us—we're discussing Pelargir fleet's recent great victory and triumphant return."
"Oh?" Levi showed an interested expression, sitting on roadside steps chatting with this resident awhile.
Turned out Gondor recently proactively assembled a fleet to attack Umbar pirates. Results were delightful—vast numbers of Umbar ships were destroyed, plus they lost a harbor captain. As for Gondor's fleet, losses were negligible, nearly none.
"I see. Truly a successful campaign, worth celebrating."
Though knowing what happened, some details remained unclear. No matter though. When meeting Ecthelion, he also mentioned this matter.
"Oh, you mean Thorongil." Mentioning this person, Ecthelion's face showed smile. "This young man is quite intelligent and far-sighted. I've always considered him one of my most important counselors."
"You know, many years ago, I continually strengthened Pelargir and river defenses. Thorongil thought like me—we unanimously recognized southern pirates as massive threats to Gondor."
"The recent Umbar attack was Thorongil's proposal. I permitted this, appointing him commander."
"Must say, his plans and actions were truly bold. Originally, direct attack would've been fairly contested, but he took advantage of nighttime, gathering a small advance team, launching surprise attacks, unexpectedly destroying vast pirate ships. Umbar's harbor captain was also personally eliminated by him."
Levi nodded, unsurprised by Aragorn's astonishing war achievements.
"Now Umbar will be chaotic for quite some time."
"Indeed." Ecthelion agreed. "This matter can count as Gondor's greatest war result in recent years."
"Just unfortunately..."
"Unfortunately?"
"Unfortunately, Thorongil didn't return triumphantly with the fleet, nor come back to Minas Tirith receiving rewards. He directly departed."
Levi said somewhat helplessly, "Seems I arrived one step late again."
This kid could really run—couldn't settle down even briefly. Who exactly did he learn this from?