The Stone of the Hapless by Elwin Fortuna

Chapter 1

Read Chapter 1

Some foresight descended on him that eventide, mere days after the news of the death of Morwen reached Brethil. For some came to the grave of Túrin and of Níniel to lay berries on the mound, and found there a new grave dug, and her name carved into the stone beneath that of her children.

Glirhuin began to play in the village hall, as was his wont. All turned to hear him, but the song he intended to sing did not come forth from his mouth. Instead, words spilled out in a rush, in a voice not quite his own:

The Stone of the Hapless shall not be defiled
Nor shall the Sea take it.
In memory of Húrin and Morwen, and of their children lost,
It shall stand forever, though the waters rage.

Blinking, Glirhuin came back to himself, hands falling silent on his harp, to see the whole village staring at him with mouths agape. The lord of Brethil, Hardang son of Hundad, came forward and took Glirhuin's hand, raising him up from the stool where he sat to play.

"So may it be as you have said!" Hardang said simply, and all the people echoed their agreement.