A/N: Welcome to the fifth story in the Feanoriel Chronicles, a fourth age series of LotR/Silmarillion adventure tales. Many of the stories, until now, could/can be read as standalone. I would advise against this for this story. At least read the latter half of Dreams of Power. I have a lot of twists planned for this one, and the adventure is going to be a crazy rollercoaster. As always, this series features a great many Original Characters, male, female, elf, dwarf, man, half elf, maia, etc. However they are all anchored by the expanded canon characters such as Eldarion, Elboron, and Elfwine. The main family of OCs are Feanorian descendants in the Fourth Age. BE SURE to read the Dreams of Power epilogue before diving into this one, even if you haven't read that story.
It has been well over three years since I began these stories. I have many more planned, as well. So if you want to give it a try, please do. Reviews are always welcome and responded to either in chapter or PM. I value my discussions with readers.
Flight to the East
by Silmarilz1701
"The World is indeed full of peril and in it there are many dark places."
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Chapter One
Year 51 FoA
June
The ring seemed to pulse sometimes. As Aderthon sat outside his house on a bench, watching the sun rise and splash light all over the city of Minas Tirith, he looked down at the serpent ring. Seven months he had worn it. A new year had come and now waned. Until yesterday there had been no hope of ridding himself of the Ring of Berúthiel.
"A Elbereth Gilthoniel," he sighed, standing from the bench and stretching. He was due in the throne room soon for the formal meeting with Eglanor.
And so an hour later, Aragorn sat on the throne, Arwen beside him. To the king's left, Eldarion stood in a loose outfit, his arms crossed over his chest and concern written on his face. But Aderthon stood next to the prince, anticipation evident in his stance and tapping foot. Beside the queen stood Amdirien, ever eager to partake in matters of state with her mother and father. Even Elboron, representing his father the Prince of Ithilien, stood there.
And before all of them, standing tall and proud with red-golden hair neatly combed and collar popped, stood the elf, Eglanor. He stared straight at the king, undaunted.
"You said yesterday that you have news of a way to help my nephew," Aragorn began slowly, carefully watching the elf's expression.
Eglanor held up a finger. "Yes. But before we continue, I have some… requirements."
The King sat back in surprise, glancing at Arwen for a moment. The entire company paused, waiting on bated breath. But Eglanor merely smiled.
Aragorn sighed. "What are your requirements, master elf?"
"Two. First, I have made some enemies in my life and travels, and I should like to be protected from them should the need arise," Eglanor told him. Then he hid a sneer and continued. "This should not be too difficult. You are the hope of your people, no?"
Aragorn continued immediately, ignoring his statement. "Your second demand?"
"A full pardon for all past transgressions," said the elf simply. "As easily done as a wave of your hand."
Aragorn nearly coughed in surprise. "How shall I forgive you? I am unaware your transgressions. I cannot pardon without knowing them."
"You are the King, are you not?" Eglanor smirked. He gestured to Aderthon. "You can do that, and you will, if you want your nephew to be severed from that ring."
But Aragorn did not react well to threats. "Or I could arrest you."
Eglanor smiled wide. "On what charges, King Elessar?"
Arwen held up her hand as Aragorn faltered for words. She leaned forward and looked at the elf closely. "What you ask is unheard of, Eglanor."
"The help you need is also unheard of," he quipped back. He looked around at the others. "A guide through the Far East, to Utumno and all the wide lands between here and there. My demands are small in comparison to that."
Aragorn frowned. "What you say is true. But I cannot grant the pardon immediately. We will call you again when we have decided our answer."
"Do not take too long." Eglanor turned and left without even a bow.
Once he had left the throne room, chaos broke out among those who had been present. Eldarion shook his head fiercely as Aderthon argued for the pardon. Elboron and Amidiren whispered quietly, and the king and queen leaned in and spoke to each other.
"I do not like it," Aragorn muttered, holding his hand up for silence.
But Aderthon argued with him, "What other option is there? To wander off without a guide deep into the east and hope we find the ruins of Utumno?"
"Aderthon," Eldarion said shaking his head. "I would be the first to accompany you, but this Eglanor is not what he appears."
"He appears to be an arrogant, well travelled elf," Aderthon bit back. He turned to the king. "Would you not be, had you traveled this continent since the days of the first rising of the Sun and Moon?"
Aragorn frowned and sat back into the throne. "I am afraid we have little choice but to go along with him." He gestured to Aderthon. "I made a promise to your parents. You will be protected."
"But who will protect him from Eglanor, should the need arises?" Arwen asked quietly.
"I can defend myself against a single adversary," Aderthon assured her. He glanced at the king. "Give me leave, my lord, to head east and rid myself of this curse alongside Eglanor."
Aragorn nodded slowly. "I give you leave. But I beg you, do not trust him. I will give him the demands he seeks, and we will watch him closely. But you, Aderthon, must be vigilant."
Eldarion spoke up quickly. "Where he goes, I also will go." He smirked. "Someone needs to keep his head on straight."
The entire royal family frowned as one. But Aragorn nodded. "I knew you would say this. I do not wish it, and would stop you if I could. But I know you would disobey me anyways."
"Perhaps Akilina will accompany us through Rhûn," Eldarion added after bowing to his father.
Arwen nodded to him. "If she will go, take her. And Círeth also."
"We will decide more details later. For now, I must see to the demands Eglanor gave me." The king stood and left with Arwen and Amdirien, leaving the others behind.
Elboron frowned. "This is a bad idea."
"Better than having no hope at all!" Aderthon all but pouted. "At least this way I shall either be free of it, or die trying."
Eldarion shook his head vehemently. "You will not die."
The three companions left the throne room. Elboron left them to head home, but Aderthon and Eldarion found themselves soon in the training grounds. They sparred for a while, joined by a few of Aderthon's guard. When the sun rose at noon, a porter came and fetched them. Aderthon and Eldarion joined the others in the throne room once more, Eglanor before them. The elf had a smirk on his face.
"Eglanor, you are hereby pardoned of all past transgressions, minor and major, by King Elessar of the Reunited Kingdom." The king stood and handed a scroll with the royal seal to the elf. "I also pledge to give you protection from your enemies as long as I am alive."
Eglanor took the scroll and smiled back. "In that case, shall we begin?"