Devious Council by Rhapsody

Devious Council

Am I my brother's keeper?
Bible, Genesis iv. 9.

Whereas shortly before the room was filled with incensed glares and harsh words, now the fire merrily crackled, but it was not the source of the cold that was between the two brothers. Maedhros still said nothing as he spread the map of Beleriand on the table, securing the points of the scroll with empty chalices.

Caranthir watched how his brother treated him as a small child, for no glance or word came to him now. How dared he? How dared he to summon him to remain as if none of his kin knew what would happen next. Angrod’s face might have mirrored calmness, but he saw the look of righteousness in his eyes before this whelp of Finarfin left the room.

As he stood there, anger clawed on the insides of his mind to come to the surface, to tell his elder brother that the next time he could hold council on his own. Besides that, Maedhros could only rule because his other brothers, even Celegorm and Curufin, loved him more than the power the position held. Caranthir knew that it was still the brotherly love that could restrain them and their quick tempers, but today Maedhros murdered the love he ever still held for him.

“As far as I am concerned, Maedhros, you can shove that map of yours up your a...”

“I was thinking of this region.” Maedhros ignored his barb, “I suspect that the mountains will have many treasures hidden beneath them and I trust you to hold your own there, also for those who want to cross the mountains. I deem you will know to differentiate between foe and friend.” Maedhros replied sharply and looked up to Caranthir while his finger pointed at the Mountain Range that bordered the lands known as Beleriand.

“I think once others will hear of our might and prosperity, many will pass over the mountains and I give you the authority to say nay or aye to those willing.” Maedhros paused and knew he caught his younger brother off-guard by handing him an important position while also giving him a place that would keep him far away from Fingolfin’s sons. This all in an attempt to keep his brother still under his control before his anger could shatter fragile alliances.

Maedhros knew that Curufin would have opted for the mountains as well to mine for metals, which would be of use to his craft, but in this case, he knew Celegorm would convince his brother to live on the rich hunting lands of Himlad. Aye, he knew there would be a long debate between him and Curufin, but he also knew that this little brother would hearken to him.

“What do you say? Shall I give these lands to Curufin, or shall you rule those lands beyond the Gelion?” Maedhros offered once more while he reached for a quill.

Caranthir struggled with his anger. “You are offering me lands instead of rebuking me like a young child as I expected you to do so? You are not making any sense to me.”

“Our father raised you Caranthir, not I. You shall have to live with the consequences of your own words, yet I seek to emulate your skills in a diplomatic position fitting you. Is it aye or nay? In case of nay, Himlad will become your dwelling instead, maybe you can find your peace with Finarfin’s scions.”

Considering his options and drinking in the words of the rebuke he expected to come, Caranthir realised that his brother needed his help more than he realised. Hope and acceptance sprang anew from his heart, yet his pride restrained him for speaking words of gratitude to his eldest brother. Caranthir knew that those lands would bring him power and wealth, most likely a great renown as being the defender of the east.

Instead he answered, “The lands of Thargelion will be mine and I will aid you where I can.” With these words, Caranthir left the room.

Maedhros smiled to himself and marked the lands he just had given to his brothers as Thargelion. Maedhros hand lingered for a moment before he added the words Dor Caranthir, marking the lands to belong to his dark brother.

Chapter End Notes

In the Silmarillion, Tolkien writes: Maedhros indeed rebuked Caranthir; but the greater part of the Noldor, of both followings, hearing his words were troubled in heart, fearing the fell spirit of the sons of Fëanor that it seemed would ever be like to burst forth in rash word or violence. This short piece was intended to explore the moment where Maedhros rebuked Caranthir and also explains, in my opinion, the reasons why Caranthir held the lands the furthest away from the rest of the Noldor.