A/N: Once again, comments & constructive criticism are much appreciated! In plain English: if you read this, we would really appreciate a review! No need to review every chapter; just please let us know what you think so we can write better!


Chapter 8: A Ship! A Ship!

Three days later, Cadoresa was pretty much back to her usual self, although her leg would still hurt her for some time until it had a chance to fully heal.

The manhunt had continued for three days and the men were satisfied they had looked in every corner of the small island. They would remain a bit wary for the next week, most likely, but Gwerraent hoped their nerves would settle soon.

Three days living off berries brought back some unpleasant memories of desert escapades for Galad. But the searching stopped and even the memory of the strange corsair faded. Another long month passed and still no rescue came.

They had been on the island over two months. Neither Gwerraent nor Cadoresa had seen Galad since the events following their visit to Thandraug's grave. However, they still enjoyed going to the beachside from time to time. Today, Cadoresa and Gwerraent waded in the water as they recalled fond memories of doing the same thing with their father and Thandraug.

Then, Cadoresa spotted something on the horizon. "Gwerraent, look over there," she pointed. "Is that what I think it is?"

He looked then cried out, "A ship! We are rescued!" Then he realized they could not yet tell who manned the ship; it could be some of their own people, or another vessel full of corsairs. "Quickly! We mustn't let them see us until we know if they are friend or foe." He grabbed her hand and they took off into the tree line, panting from a mixture of excitement and fear.


Not one but two ships circled one another. Captain Amrod of Dol Amroth and Captain Heartslicer of Umbar circumnavigated each other, defying the other's strengths and weaknesses. Captain Amrod paced his deck, his knuckles white and his hand scored from gripping his sword.

"Sir!"

The call interrupted his flow of strategies. "Yes?" he snapped.

"Sir, there is an island to the West."

"An island," Amrod muttered. "Perfect."

"Sir?"

"Steer for the island."

"Yes sir!"


Soon both the ships came into view and Gwerraent's eyes widened. "Back to the caves! Quickly! We must warn everyone!" He once again grabbed Cadoresa's hand and hurried her off to the caves. They were panting by the time the got there, but he was able to choke out, "Two ships, likely one corsair and one friendly, are headed our way. Men, you need to gather your arms together, and women, stay here in the caves. Perhaps our comrades can rescue us if the pirates don't get to them first."

The women gasped and huddle together while the men set to work strategizing. Cadoresa made sure her dagger was close at hand, just in case. "Do you really think there's a chance we could be rescued?"

"Perhaps. We shall have to wait and see. You should know firsthand how vicious corsairs are." Gwerraent calmly answered his sister, glad for a break in the monotony of island life.

Cadoresa hugged him and whispered in his ear, "Do you think Galad will be ok?"

Her brother bit back a smile. "He will be fine. Quit worrying about him. You need to worry about yourself and these other women."

"Alright." They both set back to work, unsure what the ships would bring.


Captain Amrod frowned. The corsair vessel was pulling back retreating. He contemplated chasing after the black ship, but his craft needed repairs and water. The island was inviting. He sighed. Night was not far away; they would anchor in the bay then explore tomorrow.

Several scouts were posted in pairs in strategic parts of the island. They oncoming darkness made it impossible to tell whether the anchored ship was friend or foe.

Dawn came, and with its rays the scouts figured out the ship waved a flag from Dol Amroth. They brought the news back to camp.

Cadoresa hugged Gwerraent. "Dol Amroth! Home! Can we go see if they can help us right now?"

"I suppose it will be less threatening if we have a woman with us. Anyone have a white piece of fabric we can use?"

A woman quickly offered a large strip of petticoat, which he hurriedly tied to a stick. He then selected another two men and they headed out to hail the ship. He waved their makeshift white flag as they approached, calling out, "Ahoy the ship!"

"Sir! People are coming to the boat!"

Captain Amrod yawned and ordered a boat to be lowered. He himself went ashore.

Gwerraent and his companions let the captain come to them. "Captain Amrod, is that you, you old seadog?" Gwerraent greeted, pleasantly surprised to see someone he knew.

"Gwerraent!" Amrod cried, "We thought you and your siblings were dead or slaves."

The siblings gave their old friend a hearty handshake and explained what had happened. "Do you think once your ship is repaired you could take us and our companions back to Dol Amroth? There are about 40 of us altogether."

Amrod let out a slow whistle. "It will be a tight fit. We were chasing a corsair vessel but we can detour."

Cadoresa and the two men went back to the caves and told everyone about the ship. It took a few days for the ship to be repaired and the former slaves spent that time helping them restock the supplies the best they could. The corsairs gave them a few minor struggles but then decided they could do better elsewhere and left them alone.

~~~Meanwhile~~~~

The pirate ship limped into the bay on the opposite side of the bay. Here was Galad's chance. He hated leaving without saying goodbye but such was life. Galad broke his cover and started for the ship.

At last, the siblings were headed back home to Dol Amroth. This time, Cadoresa stood on the deck with Gwerraent at her side, relishing in the crisp, salty air which tumbled her hair about her face. "I've missed this, yet it's just not the same."

"I know." He placed his arm around her shoulders and she snuggled next to him, tears forming in her eyes. "Mother will be devastated when she learns the truth."

"Yes, but she still has us."

"I know." The stood there in silence for a while longer, then headed back to their bunks.