Chapter 2. The troubled road
Gwaelwen took a good look around the camp, trying to suppress dark thoughts that had been storming his head for the whole day. Or for the whole journey, if to be precise. The warrior sighed inwardly as his sharp elven eyes could find nothing amiss in the seemingly peaceful surroundings. No signs of an approaching enemy, the weather was almost too perfect to believe too. So why had he been so edgy?
Ever since they had left the palace, captain Gwaelwen was waiting for some horrible disaster to strike. It would just be his luck to stumble upon a small army of orcs or an abnormally large colony of hungry spiders while being responsible for both princes of Mirkwood. Miraculously, none of that happened and the journey had been suspiciously peaceful this far. They had, of course, some encounters with giant spiders while traveling through Mirkwood and had even fought a small group of goblins as they were crossing Misty Mountains. Yet, it was nothing exceptional. Only three of the warriors had been injured lightly and both princes were safe and unharmed.
'Two more days', Gwaelwen thought as if trying to reassure himself. 'Two more days and we'll be in Imladris. What can possibly happen in two days?' His eyes went wide with disbelief at what he had just thought. What can happen? He suppressed a nervous laugh. Orodruin would froze before he finishes the list.
He redirected his gaze onto the camp. The warriors had started a small fire and one of them was in the process of preparing food. Prince Henlaer was sparring with one of the younger guards. Both elves danced around each other gracefully, their blades shining in the last rays of setting sun. Prince Legolas set nearby, watching his brother's moves in awe. The captain couldn't suppress a small smile. The young one was so innocent and straightforward sometimes that he could wake hope in his people's hearts even in the slowly spreading darkness that had constantly been trying to claim their woods.
The third his charge sat some feet away from the main group, immersed in reading some scrolls that were even looking boring, if such a thing could be possible, of course. Maedlam hadn't been known as a friendly and conversational person in the first place and right now he was apparently thinking of himself as of a babysitter of some sort and that position obviously wasn't to his liking. He even tried to establish a lesson of a sort for the younger of two princes, but Legolas spent time, learning to track and fight more willingly then trying to memorize the details of greeting ceremonies in Gondor. The captain chuckled, who knows if the young one would ever even see the white city at all. Few of their kin did, after all. Well, Gwaelwen shrugged lightly, Maeldlam was an excellent diplomat but that didn't necessarily mean that he was to be loved by everyone.
The captain looked onto the darkening wood that surrounded them once more, as if expecting the trees to hang their branches shamefully and reviled a small army of orcs, couple of nazguls and a middle-sized balrog hiding behind their trunks. Non of that happened, of course.
"What troubles you, my friend?" – Gwaelwen had to use all his self-control not to jump in surprise as a slightly amused voice spoke suddenly from behind.
"Nothing, your highness, - the captain gave a respectful bow, turning to face the crown prince. – I was just making sure that all is well".
Henlaer smiled, looking at the trees around them in mock seriousness.
"I guess you can take your rest now, - the younger elf said slowly, frowning as if in deep thought. – I doubt these trees would try and attack us anytime soon".
Gwaelwen smiled as well, shaking his head. It was rather amazing how free one could feel speaking to one of the princes and how trying it was to face their royal father.
"I don't think so myself, my prince, but I wanted to be sure. Just in case they would change their mind while we sleep".
Henlaer laughed, his melodic voice easing the older elf's heart.
"I hope they won't," - he replied, still chuckling.
A small tug on his tunic caught both elves' attention, startling them. Gwaelwen once again mused on how stealthy the younger prince was.
"Lainur and Laugsul are going into forest to get some more firewood. Can I go with them? – he asked hopefully, looking searchingly into his brother's eyes. – We won't go too far away and I promise to stay close to Lainur and Laugsul".
Henlaer looked doubtful about letting his younger brother go, but the pleading look in those big blue eyes had never failed to melt his heart. And so with a small sigh he nodded. After all, Legolas would be together with two capable warriors and not far away from the camp. What could possibly happen to him?
"If captain Gwaelwen does not object, you may go".
The warrior in question had to fight an urge to roll his eyes as the two blue orbs turned to look at him with the same innocent hopefulness.
"Both Lainur and Laugsul are fine warriors and I'm positive they will keep an eye on the young prince," – he stated to Henlaer with a respectful bow and a small smile.
"Thank you!" – Legolas' eyes seemed to get even brighter, although it seemed to be impossible just moments prior.
Henlaer watched his brother running toward the two awaiting warriors affectionately. Back at home he had been arguing with his father on whether Legolas should accompany him on this journey or not. The elder prince was both concerned about his brother's safety during a possibly dangerous trip and, to his inner shame, reluctant to spent the whole time with him. Henlaer loved his younger brother with all his heart and was willing to die protecting him, but he was looking forward to meet Elladan and Elrohir for quite some time now and though he was reluctant to admit it, the twins and he himself were not what one would call the best company for a young elf prince.
But now he was happy his father stood his ground (not that Thranduil had ever been known to loose it, off course). The light that didn't left Legolas' eyes during the whole journey, his eagerness to explore and to learn whatever he could about the outside world were the best prize his brother wished for. Even if he would have to keep the twins' usual antics at bay this time rather than participate in them, his brother's joy was absolutely worth it.
"Gwaelwen", - Henlaer called softly, his eyes still on the Legolas' disappearing figure.
"Yes, my prince?"
"May I join you in scaring these trees from attacking us?"
"Off course, my prince".
XXX
The three elves walked lightly under the merrily rustling trees, searching for some dead wood, dry enough to be used in fire. It was calm and peaceful around them. The evil hadn't reside here as firmly as it had
"Is this true that humans chop the trees for firewood?" – Legolas asked, frowning as he remembered what the elder elves had been talking about back at the palace.
"They do, - Lainur agreed, picking yet another peace of dry wood. – Not all of them, though".
"Why? – Legolas' frown deepened. – Don't they know it pains the trees?"
"No, your highness, - Laugsul stated grimly. – The majority of the humans do not believe trees to be living things in the way we do. They think it stupid to believe that trees have feelings".
"But they do", - the young prince stated bewildered, not quite understanding how someone could possibly doubt such an obvious thing.
"Off course they do, - Lainur smiled affectionately at the younger elf. – Humans are less intact with nature however".
"It must be awful not to be able to communicate with nature", - Legolas shook his head, picking some wood too.
"For them it is not. Humans and elves have different weaknesses and different strengths", - Laugsul said, smiling as well.
The three of them spent some time in silence, each lost to his own thoughts. Legolas frowned in slight confusion and had even opened his mouth to ask something when suddenly Laugsul raised his hand, signaling for silence.
All three elves stopped, sensing something amiss in the forest around them. The dark, menacing aura was mixing with the air, signaling about the approaching danger. The trees no longer rustled in joy of having elves wondering among them, but were rather alerting them about some unfriendly beings.
Lainur and Laugsul exchanged the knowing looks, too experienced not to identify this feeling for what it was. Too many times before had they encountered the same kind of danger.
"Go back to the camp, my prince", - Laugsul whispered urgently, his eyes surveying the surrounding forest, straining to see the approaching enemy.
"Why? – Legolas felt that something was out of place, but could not tell what it was and the expressions on the elder elves' faces did nothing to reassure him. – What's going on?"
"Someone is coming this way, - Lainur explained, gracefully leaning to soundlessly place the gathered firewood back to the forest floor. As he straightened back his arm gripped his bow firmly. – An enemy. You need to warn the others".
"What enemy?" – Legolas was reluctant to leave the two warriors but he wasn't stupid and knew far too well, that his presence would only cause the other elves an unnecessary distraction for they undoubtfully would try to protect him at all cost.
"I'm afraid they are orcs, - Laugsul replied, exchanging yet another look with his brother. Both of them knew that the best chance for Legolas to stay out of harm's way was to leave now, before the orcs had them surrendered. – A few dozens of them at least. Go now, my prince, we'll try to hinder them for a few moments to give the others time to prepare for the fight".
"Do not worry, - Lainur sensed the prince's doubts. – We won't try and fight them off. We'll shot from distance to buy the rest of our company few minutes".
Legolas wanted to stay and help with all his young heart, yet he knew it wasn't the right choice. He was far from a skilled or experienced warrior and the rest of the elves must be warned indeed. And so he turned around and ran back toward the camp as fast as he could.
XXX
Henlaer was conversing with some warriors near the campfire, discussing the brief encounter with the mountain goblins they had had a few days ago. Right then a slightly breathless Legolas came running swiftly into the small clearing.
"Legolas? - Henlaer raised to his feet, instantly sensing that something bad had happen. – What's going on?"
"Orcs… few dozens of them… - the younger elf panted out, trying to catch breath. – Lainur and Laugsul stayed behind to hinder them a bit".
" Prepare for the fight! – Gwaelwen, who had heard it all, barked out an order to the rest of the warriors. – Protect the princes!"
The whole camp burst into rushed action. The warriors retrieved their weapons, drawing a circle around the two princes and the advisor. Yet there was nothing chaotic about it. Mirkwood wasn't the safest place to live in and the wood elves had long since learned to be prepared for the danger. And so the warriors acted quick, yet without any unnecessary haste.
Henlaer had his sword out in an instance. Putting his free hand on Legolas' shoulder, the crown prince whispered urgently.
"Stay near Maedlam, - seeing the stubborn look in his brother's eyes, he added with a small sigh. – Shoot the orcs if you can, but do not go outside the circle of guards unless your life is in danger".
Legolas wanted to argue that he was old enough to participate in the fight, but seeing the pleading look on his brother's face, nodded wordlessly. He hadn't been in any real battle before, after all and he knew, he would just be in a way. He stepped closer to the campfire, where Maedlam stood, calm as ever, a long knife in his hand. The king's councilor was anything close to the warrior, yet every elf in Thranduil's kingdom was going through the basic warrior training so they at least would stand a chance to defend themselves in face of a growing shadow. And for the diplomats who were being constantly sent out of the palace with different diplomatic missions, those skills, however imperfect they might be, served a good service.
Legolas tried to calm himself down and concentrate, just like his tutors had taught him. Gripping his bow tightly, he turned his gaze toward the forest. There seemingly was no wind at all, yet the leaves were rustling restlessly, as if trying to warn their friends about the coming danger.
The elves stood motionless, waiting for the enemies to come.
In the almost complete silence the soft whistle that came a few seconds later, sounded almost deafening.
Lainur and Laugsul dropped from the tree soundlessly with only a brief word of warning to escape the fate of being stuffed with their friends' arrows. At first Legolas' heart leaped with joy. He was so worried about the warriors' fate that right then it felt like a huge stone had been lifted off of him. In the next moment he, however, noticed a blood stain on the younger of two brothers side and his heart was filled with a new worry. Yet, Lainur didn't look as if he was wounded seriously. The warrior's movement's were somewhat stiff, but other than that he seemed to be alright.
Legolas had no time to dwell on that thought any further. For at that exact moment orcs came. Their foul voices were getting louder as the creatures moved closer to the campsite.
"Archers, shoot without warning," – Gwaelwen ordered quietly.
Legolas' heart was pounding with the mixture of fear and excitement. Before he knew what he was doing, his hands moved automatically to his quiver, taking a beautifully carved arrow out of it and placing it on the bowstring. And before he had enough time to completely comprehend what was going to happen, the first orcs came into the clearing.
Later the young prince couldn't remember clearly what exactly had happen. The orcs were many and the battle was fierce. He tried his best to help, shooting one arrow after another, and stopped only when his hand had met an empty air while reaching for the next projectile. He somehow had lost his brother's figure out of his sight, but he still was able to see Gwaelwen. The captain was moving skillfully, being able to shout some orders in the short intervals between blows.
Although it obviously were more orcs than elves, the firstborn were getting an upper hand. More skilled and agile, the elves stood better chances than their opponents, who were driven by pure hate and rage.
"You highness!" – Maedlam's warning cry dragged Legolas back to reality.
He turned around to come face to face with an orc. The creature wasn't tall, but it was at least few times wider than he himself was. The orc scowled maliciously, raising a rusty scimitar to deliver a blow. Legolas reached for his knife, moving to the side, yet at the back of his head he knew that he would be too late. The prince saw the cruel weapon moving toward him and there was no way to avoid it.
Suddenly the triumph on the orc's face was changed by the one of extreme pain. With a sickening gurgling sound the dark blood poured out of his mouth as he fall to the ground dead. Legolas jumped back, feeling as the tip of the scimitar tore through his tunic, stinging his flesh.
"Are you alright, your highness?" – Maedlam asked, stepping over the dead orc and wiping the blood off of his knife. The elf's face was pale and worried.
"Yes, - Legolas choked out, trying to steady his waving legs. Due to the amount of adrenaline in his system, the cut to his chest didn't cause much trouble for now. – I'm fine".
"You are bleeding!" – Maedlam moved to help, looking out for any immediate danger.
"It's nothing serious, - Legolas protested. – It can wait".
He closed his eyes for a moment to battle the dizziness and steady his breathing. But the picture he saw when he opened them again was far from pleasant. Maedlam was engaged in a fight with a really huge orc. The elf's knife looked tiny and fragile, being crossed with a roughly made sword. It was obvious that although the orc wasn't that skilled in a sword fight, he was plainly stronger than his opponent. Gripping his own weapon, the young princ moved forward, looking for an opportunity to help the elder elf.
Just as he watched, the orc overpowered Maedlam, sending the elf down to the ground. Legolas cried out in dismay, jumping forward. He caught the orc across the abdomen, pushing him few feet away from the downed councilman. He made a mistake. Should he try to stab the creature instead of just pushing it away from it's prey, he might succeed. By doing what he had, the prince had just postponed the end for a while. The creature roared in rage, backhanding the young elf, sending him flying to the side.
The orc was furious, almost blinded by the rage. He hated elves, he couldn't explain why, but he knew he did. And he surely hated this two. Raising the sword up, he roared once more, rushing to the one who had just pushed him.
The fight was almost over and Henlaer risked to look around. His hand was tiring from the almost half an over of an non-stop actions, yet his mind was troubled with something else. The orcs were too many and he was rather sure that some had slipped past the outer circle of the warriors. He was worried for Legolas. Henlaer wiped the blood from under his nose, looking for any signs of his brother. His hand froze in mid motion as he saw what was going on.
Legolas felt the world blacking out for a moment or two. He couldn't gather his though. In one second he was pushing a huge orc away from Maedlam and in the other he was laying on the ground, dazed… Opening his eyes, Legolas tried to sit up. None of the actions seemed to be a good choice. His head was pounding and the world around him seemed blurred.
"Legolas! Move!" – the familiar voice seemed to come from an impossibly long distance away.
There were so much worry and fear that the young elf couldn't ignore it. Fighting the sickness, Legolas tried to focus his vision. And almost closed his eyes again. Moving toward him was an orc, it's figure still somewhat blurred. He tried to get out of way, to move, yet he was too dazed from the blow to do anything at the moment.
As he closed his eyes, expecting the deadly blow, a familiar 'whoosh' sliced through the air and something heavy fell on top of him.
…TBC
Note
The names used:
Gwaelwen – a captain of Mirkwood warriors, in charge of the princes' escort.
Maedlam (Skilled tongue) – one of the king's councilors and ambassadors.
Lainur (Free flame) and Laugsul (warm wing) – two brothers, Mirkwood warriors.