3. Revenge
Two years have passed since the day queen Alphlaer died. The kingdom returned to their usual lifestyle. King Ranbel was still in grief for his wife and in truth he knew not if he would ever be able to cope with his loss. But he knew his kids still needed him and this knowledge kept him alive. Elrond and his sons have visited them few times and even took the twins to Imladris for a few weeks. Ranbel was thankful for the support from elven lord and his family for he was in great need of one.
Ranbel glanced out from the window watching his children entering palace yard. Eluihen was carrying sleepy Iellgaer while Noruihen dragged a big basket they used to make a little picnic in the gardens. Smiling at his kids Ranbel went to meet them. With a smile he took his youngest daughter in his arms cradling her protectively.
"Lord Elrond and his twin sons are coming tonight. I want you to be ready for the dinner." He told to his eldest children.
Eluihen and Noruihen nodded in unison.
"Can we go for a walk, father?" Eluihen asked commonly.
"Well, you've just returned from a one haven't you?" He frowned in mock seriousness. "But you may go if you promise not to be late for the dinner and keep yourself from troubles."
Twins nodded smiling and ran out with enviable speed. The king sighed looking at the empty corridor where his kids were standing just a moment ago. He knew they were hiding something from him. But what? Well, kids always have their secrets, didn't they?
XXX
"Not so hard… Relax your arm… Good…"
No one could hear two kids in this part of the park. It was abandoned long ago. New wall was build and guarded but two children had found their way here few years ago. It was an excellent place for what they were doing. Thanked to that no one in the palace knew about their little secret. Especially since the clink of a metal was a common sound at the palace.
Two thin figures were standing in front of each other near the old stone fountain. Both Ranbel's children were holding light training swords. They were standing in defensive positions, completely concentrated at their task. Noruihen have been practicing with sword for more then two years and he started to teach his sister over a year ago. They tried hard to keep this secret from everyone else. It was hardly possible that Ranbel would approve this. Anyway, Eluihen proved to be a zealous student. She learned quickly and any experienced warrior would tell that she has a talent. Twins spent much time with their younger sister but managed to find few hours each day for practicing. Although now they would have to be much more careful having Elladan and Elrohir around.
But for now two children were concentrated on their fight, ducking and blocking blows. Suddenly Eluihen stopped dead in her moves. Her brother withdrew his sword in last possible moment nearly hitting his sister.
"What are you thinking?!" He exclaimed. "You should never loose your concentration."
"Shush!" Eluihen ordered, her senses tensed as well as her body. She looked at the old wall that surrounded the garden. "I can feel something." She whispered turning to her brother, her eyes shining. "It is in the woods."
Noruihen frowned. He entrusted her sister's intuition. And she had much stronger connection with the nature.
"Since we can't tell anyone about this, I suggest we go look for ourselves." He said after a pause.
"Alright, let's go. But we must be back soon or father will sent someone to search for us."
They went closer to the wall. It has some cracks and was covered with ivy but still very strong.
"Help me." Eluihen asked trying to get onto the lower branch of the tree that grew near the wall. It was too high for the girl to grab it. Noruihen lifted his sister and few moments later she pulled him up. Now both of them could get to the top of the wall. Standing there they looked around trying to catch a sight of anything unfamiliar.
"What is it?" Noruihen mumbled looking at the wood.
Thin pillar of smoke was spreading over the treetops. Twins looked at each other and jumped to the ground from the opposite side of the wall still holding their swords. They run through the forest noiselessly and carefully. With elven blood in their veins they were able to move completely stealthily without much efforts. It got them no more then twenty minutes to approach the large clearing.
What they saw shocked and stunned them. Orcs. About a dozen of them. It was little group but they were too close to the palace and that was not very good. Unaware of the two pair of eyes watching their every move orcs were settling the camp speaking on their ugly dark language. Twins winced hearing foul sounds and seeing destruction that orcs were bringing with their every action.
"We need to warn father." Noruihen whispered soundlessly putting a hand on his sister's shoulder.
Eluihen nodded and started to move back but then she stopped, her eyes boring one particular orc. Something caught her sight although she couldn't tell what it was. But then it turned to yell some order and Eluihen got a perfect view of it's ugly face that was decorated by the horrible scar. The same scar.
Eluihen kept starring, her hands clenched into fists so hard that knuckles became white. Noruihen was surprised with her behavior. His sister was usually calm. He followed her gaze and saw it. He didn't witness their mother's death, but Eluihen told him enough.
"Are you sure?" He asked barely audible.
The girl nodded. Without a moment of hesitation they jumped into the clearing near the pile of orcish weapons. Grabbing dirty sword Eluihen launched at the closest beast, using everything she was taught by her brother. Beside her Noruihen was already engaged in a battle. The girl fought her way to the leader that stared at her in surprise. He never cared to remember his victims, but something about this human brat was familiar. Besides, it wasn't each day they had two kids jumping in the middle of their camp. He took his scimitar ready for the fight.
Eluihen didn't know how many orcs she had killed or how many had left. She didn't care about that. She knew her brother was still fine and fighting. Using Noruihen's advice she pushed away all thoughts except for one. And few minutes later she was finally standing in front of the orc captain. He blocked her first blow with and attacked managing to cut slightly the same shoulder that he did two years ago. But in her rage the girl didn't notice a pain. She sidestepped the orc and attacked burying her sword in it's chest. She kneeled down forcing back a great disgust and searched orc's clothes and armor.
"Hurry! We need to go!" Her brother's voice pushed her out of her trance like state. She suddenly became aware that the fight was over. No more orcs were seen at the clearing except for dead ones.
"Somebody's coming this way!" Noruihen hissed running toward his sister.
Eluihen felt her arms shaking since all the adrenaline had gone from her system. But she could not go away. Not yet. With a grunt of satisfaction girl stood up clenching her mother's amulet in her fist.
She locked her eyes with Noruihen. They succeeded. They had their revenge. But the sound of many hooves against the ground urged them to run.
Well, they were not fast enough. Loud powerful voice pierced dead silence of the forest.
"Stop, Ranbelions!"
XXX
"Do you really think they'll like it?" Elladan asked his brother. Seriousness of his voice didn't combine well with his wide grin.
"I'm completely certain they'll like it." Elrohir replied with the same smile. "Although I'm not that sure about king Ranbel."
They were ridding side by side at the head of the small procession. Packed in their bags were long elegant bow and light sword which they decided to take as presents for Ranbel's elder children. Their father just shook his head. He lost the hope seeing his children growing up few centuries ago. Suddenly he tensed. "Elladan, Elrohir!" He called sharply.
"Father, we... " They started to speak, wondering what angered the lord. But then they noticed it too.
Distant clanks of metal. There was a fight in the woods. Moreover, kin elven hearing could catch foul sounds of the Black speech. That was enough to send Imladris warriors ahead, their weapons ready for the fight.
Sounds of the fight were getting louder with each stride of the mighty horses. But then all was silent. Elrond urged his stallion to go faster. He was the first to come into the clearing.
Dead orcs were laying among what had obviously been their camp. There were about a dozen of them. But what caught the sight of the elven lord were two figures running to the trees. And he knew exactly who they were.
XXX
Twins stopped turning around. They knew what they would see. Lord Elrond was sitting at his noble horse ahead of the obviously shocked group of elven warriors. It was too late for running away so the twins simply walked toward Elrond, their borrowed weapons still in their hands.
"You are full of surprises." Elrond stated glaring over a clearing once more. "I'm eager to hear this story but that can wait. Let me see to your wounds and take you back to the palace."
Young twins said nothing and let their uncle to treat their light injuries. They soon found themselves sitting in front of Elladan and Elrohil.
"I think we could invite them to Imladris, Ada." Elrohir stated with a smile.
"Yes, and get Estel and Legolas as well." Elladan nodded.
"No, save my house from complete distraction." Elrond smiled lightly. "After all king Ranbel may appreciate your gifts."
But despite his mocking words Lord of Imladris was concerned. Why would Ranbel's children risk their life? For he knew it could not be because of showing their skills. After all, Eluihen should have none of such skills at all. It was indeed complicated story. But it would wait until they reach the palace.
XXX
Ranbel was worried. Moreover he started to panic. His children were nowhere to be found and no one have seen them for a few hours.
"My king." One of the soldiers spoke with a bow. "Elves from Imladris are approaching the gates."
Ranbel nodded dismissing the warrior. Maybe Elrond would be able to help? He went to meet his guests in the courtyard. But when he saw Elrond's sons ridding with his own children, the king felt a mixture of emotions. Surprise, relief, concern and anger. He waited until the group approach. His concern was quickly doubled as he took in the sight of dirty blood stained clothes of his twins.
"I'm happy to see you, my friends." He spoke respectfully. "As always you are welcome here. But I want to know where did you find my wayward children for have been searching for them for quiet some time."
Little girl appeared behind him looking curious and shyly at the elves. Her long black hair was covering her back and revealing slightly pointed ears. The girl was less then three years old.
Elrond smiled to her and so did twins. Iellgaer was going to be a complete copy of her mother. The girl giggled softly but the smile faded from her fair face as she looked at her father. Ranbel was looking at his twin children who stood in front of him staring at the ground. He noticed white bandages at his daughter's arm and few cuts at his son's face. What did they get themselves into?!
"I'm sorry, Lord Elrond." He managed to sound calm. "But I really want to hear what my children have to say. Would you join us in my study?"
"You don't need to apologies, my friend. Besides, I want to listen to this story too."
With that they went inside the palace. When two royal families were inside, Ranbel closed the door. Eluihen and Noruihen were glad to have something to sit on. After the rage and fury of the battle they both felt great fatigue and pain from their injuries. Iellgaer frowned when the elders told her to go prepare for the dinner. She knew they just didn't want to speak in front of her, but she remained silent. With the reassuring smile from her brother and sister she left the room.
"Well." Ranbel turned to his twin children. "Would you mind telling us what happened?"
Eluihen and Noruihen looked at each other sighing deeply. For a few minutes they remained silent not knowing how to start. But with each heartbeat the atmosphere in the room seemed to grew heavier pressing onto it's occupants.
"We found them at the clearing in the wood not far away from the palace" Elrond stated eyeing twins almost curiously. "They slaughtered about a dozen of orcs."
The room was silent for another few minutes. Then Ranbel swept the expression of shock and disbelief off his face and calmed himself with obvious effort.
"I have three questions. What were you doing there? Why did you attack on your own? And what were you doing in the battle at all, little lady."
"Well..." Eluihen began, knowing it was better to tell everything. "Noruihen has been teaching me to fight for some time by now. We were practicing near an old wall. Then we saw something strange in the woods and decided to find out what it was. There were orcs and we wanted to come back and warn you."
She fell silent. That was the hardest part of the story. Her mother's death have been a painful memory for her, but it was even more for her father. She knew not if she can open such a raw wound.
"So, why didn't you come back then?" Ranbel asked softly sensing the inner battle his daughter was going through.
"Because I saw something." She whispered almost inaudible and stood up. She stepped to her father and put something in his arm before going back to her brother. Ranbel was staring at the amulet. His wife's amulet which had been taken by orcs the day she died. Shock, pain and grief was shown on his face. Elrond and his sons were also looking at the small jewelry with surprise.
Ranbel looked at his children and hugged them tightly. How could he be angry with them? He then put the amulet on his daughter's neck and kissed her softly.
"I want you to keep it." He whispered. "No one can do it better then you."
...TBC.
