Imladris
Several years ago, I had a dream. A dream I’m convinced came from The Lord.
I found myself atop a horse. A mighty beast of grim visage bedecked in barding and banners denoting my house, my circle, and my mission.
I was, it seemed, a knight bearing armor that was stout but worn. Sturdy but scratched and covered in the mud and mire of many battles.
I was riding hard through a dense forest where I could scarcely see a dozen yards yet I’d occasionally glimpse other knights, racing between the tight-packed pines, all of us thundering toward some unknown battle to which we’d been summoned.
Occasionally two or three of us would cross paths in a clearing. We’d salute, knock shields together, then quickly race on with a mighty yawp, glad to relieve the sense of isolation but focused on our goal.
In time, just before the sun would set, I reached the imposing wall of a towering castle. This was our destination and the siege to which we’d be called. We were just outside the gates, barely yards from the imposing rampart, but even under the baleful glares of the city’s watch, our King had set a mighty feast under a massive pavilion festooned with scores of dancing banners. Dozens of knights from many houses were gathered together, which seemed many more than I’d expected…but far too few for the task.
Nonetheless our Lord was joyous and untroubled.
As He raised a cup to toast the gathering the dream melted into mist and I’ve pondered it in my heart these many years.
I believe I now know its meaning.