Twenty-two went forth; twenty-three returned. Estel hurried from the house to aid those who worked in the stables, taking leads as the warriors dismounted. The stranger was tall, and his grey eyes filled with ancient memories that the boy could only imagine, and of all things he was bearded. Estel stared with fascination—this was clearly an Elf!
“Círdan!” Estel’s adar was hurrying down the steps from the door, his face alight with both surprise and delight. “Never did I think to host you here!”
Círdan? Now, this was a name out of legend, a name to conjure with!