At Elrond's command, Elrohir and Elladan practically frog-marched Estel into Elrond's study. Elladan closed the door and his brothers waited silently behind Estel as Elrond stood with his back to them reading a scroll, ignoring them.
He's probably counting to ten, Estel thought. Despite the fact that no one had spoken, there was no chance he didn't know they were there. The seconds ticked by. Perhaps, it is twenty, Estel thought as Elrond remained focused on the scroll. Estel began to worry when nearly a full minute had passed. He must be very angry.
Elrond sighed and closed up the scroll. He carefully placed it in a scroll rack which Estel thought looked like-and would have been better served as-a wine rack. Elrond turned and stared at them, his face expressionless. "And what do you have to say for yourselves?"
Elrohir shrugged, apparently having decided to brazen it out. Elladan looked at his feet, as if contrite, though he wasn't directly involved in the latest incident. Estel knew better than to open his mouth.
"Did you not understand my instructions?"
Elrond never got loud when he grew angry. In fact he got quieter and more intense. Elrond's anger was a rare and frightening thing to behold.
"You asked us to teach him how to ride and to shoot and to hunt." Elrohir tossed his twin brother a look as if seeking confirmation, but Elladan didn't look up. Elladan hadn't actually been with them on their last outing and appeared to be trying to weather the storm of Elrond's wrath by pretending he wasn't there now.
"And to avoid the orcs!" Elrond's voice was nearly a hiss.
"That is sometimes difficult in the Trollshaws," Elrohir said.
Elrond glared at Elrohir, but Estel interrupted him before Elrond could scold him.
"It was my fault, my lord. I was careless and my bowstring slipped."
"Don't 'my lord' me!" Elrond snapped. "I raised you as one of my own. I expect better of you."
Estel started to reply, but Elrond cut him off.
"And how came you to be aiming an arrow at an orc anyway?"
"An excess of caution, father."
Elrond shook his head. "I can see your two brothers are insufficient guards for you. I suppose I'll have to find a third to watch over you night and day."
Anger rose up in Estel. "I'm old enough to take care of myself. I'm certainly too old to require a nursemaid!"
"You are eleven years old! Even by the standards of your mother's people you are considered young."
Estel lifted his chin defiantly "But I am already as tall and strong and as good an archer as many of your warriors."
Elrond gave Elrohir a sceptical look.
Elrohir nodded, assuming a false expression of regret. Estel could see his brother's amusement twinkle in his eye.
Elrond pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "I don't have time to deal with this. Our scouts have reported that Mithrandir is on his way here and is bringing uninvited guests. Dwarves!" Elrond looked up. "You three are restricted to Imladris until I decide what to do with you. Do you understand me?"
"All three?" Elladan asked, sounding surprised that he was included in the ban.
"Yes. And you," Elrond looked pointedly at Estel, "Are to stay out of sight while our guests are here. I am trying to keep you safe. If anyone learns of your existence here, I'll have to find another more hidden place to keep you."
Estel swallowed. He knew there were many dark and unpleasant places in the world and that Elrond, with his years and experience, probably knew a lot of them. He also knew one other thing. Elrond never bluffed.