The Company Grows

Beleg healed the sick,that winter and he proved to be a valiant warrior, with bow and sword, Anglachel. Mîm was filled with hatred and jealousy. For he hated all Elves and could not stand the love of Túrin and Beleg. As winter gave way to spring Morgoth's forces began advancing into Beleriand. His spies were everywhere and he knew much of his enemies. Only Melian escaped his malicious thought so he turned his attention, for the time being, towards those that might oppose him. Gondolin, the Hidden City still stood, but Morgoth was not sure where. He could not enter Doriath because of the Girdle of Melian. His armies had not yet made their way South to Nargothrond and farther south at the mouth of the Sirion were the Havens of the Ships where Círdan was. The Havens could not be reached until all the others were first defeated.

The Orcs marched toward the North-marches of Doriath and the defenses fell without the aid of Beleg. Then they followed the ancient road that went along the Guarded Plain watched by the Elves of Nargothrond and also by Amon Rûdh. In the spring Túrin again bore the Helm of Hador and harassed the Orcs. With less than 50 men they struck fear in the Orcs by the skill of Beleg and valor of Túrin. In one of the skirmishes Andróg again picked up his bow violating the curse of Mîm. Sure as Mîm had spoken Andróg was struck by a poisoned arrow. However Beleg was able to heal Andróg and Mîm's hatred for the Elf only increased. It looked as if the curse had been undone but Mîm swore it would bite again.

Rumors spread of the victories of the Bow and Helm and this gave hope many. Displaced Elves and Men sought Beleg and Túrin looking for leadership and to aid in their quests. Beleg counseled Túrin to not let any newcomers into the hideout of Amon Rûdh and Túrin listened. Still, he gladly accepted any who came and they made camps in eyesight of the hill. All could see Amon Rûdh and from there signals would be sent. As summer advanced Túrin led a great force. Word reached Nargothrond of these deeds and many longed to join. But Orodreth the king would not release his people. Being in counsel with Thingol Oredreth offered Túrin what help he could, save using his people or lands for warfare. Morgoth, meanwhile, sent forces that could be easily defeated toward the area to build up the confidence of this rag-tag army. It worked as Túrin's pride grew.

Túrin could not understand why his friend Beleg did not share his high spirits. Beleg being wise and farsighted feared a long winter and then the wrath of Angband. Beleg urged Túrin to think about the many needs of the fighters as winter approached. He was also concerned about their base camp in Amon Rûdh which could be easily surrounded by only a small force. But Túrin replied, "'Here I stand in the path of Morgoth, and while I so stand he cannot use the southward road'" (p. 147, The Children of Húrin). Remember, the curse of Morgoth remains on Túrin. It ill be interesting to see how it mars his plans.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, 486
Today's reading comes from: The Children of Húrin, pages 141-147