Prologue

'Elladan! Slow down!' called out Elrohir.

Elladan brought his horse to a stop and turned around the best he could without lifting himself out of the saddle. He saw that Elrohir has stopped about fifty paces back and had climbed off his gelding. With his hand on the hilt of his sword, Elrohir moved slowly between the few spindly trees that grew in this region of Middle-Earth. Elladan sighed and directed his horse back along the track.

'What have you found?' he asked softly.

'It's a human,' replied Elrohir, 'I think.'

Elladan looked about them and listened out for evidence of an ambush. Branches creaked where they rubbed against each other and dry leaves picked up by the wind formed a constant rumble in the background. Somewhere west of them Elladan could hear two different woodpeckers. Further along the track, a fox was digging a hole beneath exposed tree roots. But there was no indication of humans in the area, hostile or friendly. They had passed the last human village in the area three nights ago. However, Elladan was still wary; his heart beat at as furious pace as Elrohir crept closer to the still figure.

'She is alive,' said Elrohir, but Elladan was intrigued by the hint of confusion in Elrohir's tone. 'Come here, 'Dan.'

Elladan climbed off his horse and followed Elrohir; he trusted the horses not to wonder far from their riders. Soon he could see her clearly. A young woman, taller than most humans and well fed, which led Elladan to think that she came from a wealthy family. However, he was puzzled about her dress, if it could be called that. As she lay there, the short skirt allowed her legs to be indecently exposed and the upper part of the dress was barely better. It was no wonder that the youth's lips were blue from the cold. On the other hand, the lack of appropriate clothing for the weather let Elladan to see immediately the many lacerations on her body and the severe swelling on her left hand, a bad fracture by the looks of it.

'She looks like she's been left here as wolf bait,' said Elrohir. 'Except, have you noticed? There are no tracks leading here, not even hers.'

'With the shoes she is wearing, we should not be looking for tracks as much as potholes. I will never understand human ideas about clothing.'

Elrohir laughed weakly and knelt down by the youth. As he lifted to her head, they saw a streak of dried blood coming from below the hairline. Elrohir gently pressed his fingers around the wound as their father had taught them.

'That explains why she is unconscious, but I doubt there is long term damage from this wound.' he said after a moment. 'Are you going to help me or are you going to watch me do all the work as always?'

'And are you too weak to lift a woman on your own?' said Elladan. Elrohir shook his head and muttered something Elladan did not care to hear. 'In any case, Elrohir, abandon this folly now. We are in a hurry.'

'She will die out here.'

'She might die in Imladris also. For all you know, humans might have brought here out here for a reason – her manner of dress suggests she has been involved in some sort impropriety. Moreover, you seem to have forgotten that you are carrying information vital to the future of Middle-Earth. She will only delay us when we have no time to waste.'

'Whatever her past, no one should end their life like this. You go ahead with the message, I will follow you as I can,' replied Elrohir.

'I will not leave you alone with a half-dead human! What are you going do to if you are attacked?'

'I have two arms, do I not?' said Elrohir.

Elladan clenched his teeth as he watched Elrohir pick up the woman. He carried her much like one would carry a child. Elrohir gave his brother a cold look as he passed him, one Elladan recognised well. This particular expression, apart from making Elrohir resemble his father all the more, meant that Elrohir had set a course for himself and only Elrond or Erestor had the power to change Elrohir' mind. Elladan had to wonder why he had been 'blessed' with a brother who thought that the plight of every being in this world was his to solve.

'Fine, Elrohir, but if father is furious, you will take the full share of the blame,' said Elladan.

Elrohir flicked a stray strand of hair out of his face and spoke:

'I knew you wouldn't leave me.'

'Yes, evidently, our mother has lectured me about looking after my younger siblings one time too many,' said Elladan dryly.