Chapter 10

"Now Amarth, is that any way to greet an old friend?" Darkness' voice echoed around them; chilling the air enough to make Legolas shiver. The Dark Keeper was cloaked completely in shadows making it impossible for Legolas to see him clearly, but he did not have to see the Keeper to be frightened. The terror he'd felt at seeing the Balrog in Moria was almost nothing compared to what he felt now; pure evil seemed to radiate from the being and the Elf desperately wished he was somewhere far away from Darkness.

"You were never a friend of mine," Amarth growled. Darkness laughed, and Legolas was forcing himself not to cover his ears at the horrible sound.
"Still as friendly as an orc I see. It is nice to know that you have not changed since our last meeting, although your light seems dimmer than normal."
At this Legolas glanced at the light coming from Amarth's right hand; Darkness was right, it was dim. Legolas froze as he felt the cold, menacing stare of the Dark Keeper rest on him. He wanted to stand behind Amarth to avoid being seen but could not move.
"So this is the new Light Keeper I have long sought after." Darkness took a step forward, immediately Amarth sent a streak of light flying from his hand that struck the Dark Keeper in the chest. Legolas gasped when Darkness' hold on him vanished; he was given no time to rest as Amarth had already grabbed him by the wrist and was moving so fast Legolas thought he was flying. Suddenly Amarth came to a stop and Legolas nearly lost his balance for a second time. His blue eyes flooded with terror when he saw Darkness standing before them; through the shadows two pale, glowing orbs could be seen which Legolas assumed were the Dark Keeper's eyes.

"Do I frighten you elfling?" Darkness asked tilting his head to the side. "Your hands are trembling."
Legolas swallowed a lump in his throat and tried to still his shaking hands. Darkness chuckled before raising his hand; five wisps of shadows flowed from his fingers and floated towards Legolas, who found himself frozen once again under Darkness' paralyzing stare. He closed his eyes and shuddered as the shadows weaved around him: brushing against his skin, coiling around his arms and snaking up the back of his neck to entwine themselves in his hair.

"Leave him alone!" Amarth shouted, and for the first time since Legolas met him, the Between Keeper was truly angry. Darkness only laughed again, clearly enjoying himself.
"Why? I am only helping our dear Legolas adjust to the darkness; he is always fainting when there is too much of it."
Legolas' eyes flew open and the shadows that Darkness had sent vanished, but he did not notice.
"How do you know that?" He took a step forward, not noticing that he'd been released either.
"Your name or your fainting spells? You must be more specific elfling." Darkness' eyes flashed in what Legolas guessed was amusement, but his own eyes betrayed his own mounting horror. If Darkness knew those things about him, what else did he know?
"Legolas come away from him, now." Amarth ordered. Blinking once Legolas slowly backed away from Darkness, not wanting to risk taking his eyes off of the Dark Keeper. Once he was close enough Amarth grabbed Legolas by the arm (for once he was gentle with him) and moved the younger Elf to stand behind him.

"Why do you protect him Amarth? It's not as if he would ever do the same."
"You honestly believe that's why I'm doing this?" Amarth narrowed his eyes. "You and I both know what will happen if he's harmed and while you're fine with that happening, I'm not."
"So your reasons are selfish. Thank goodness, for a moment I thought you actually cared about someone other than yourself."
Legolas noticed Amarth's entire body go rigid, his hands clenched tightly into fists at his sides. Cautiously looking at his face, Legolas was surprised to see the faintest trace of tears in the Between Keeper's cold eyes.
"You know nothing," Amarth growled.
"I know that you are a liar and a coward. Tell me Amarth what lies have filled Legolas' naive head with? And what have you kept from him?"

Lies? What is he talking about? Legolas watched Amarth's face for a reaction but the Keeper had donned a veil of indifference, hiding whatever emotions he may have been feeling.
"I told him what he needs to know. The rest will come when he is ready."
There were things Amarth was keeping from him? Why did he feel the need to hide certain things from him?
"Who are you to decide when he is ready? I say tell him the truth now lest he finds out in a far more unpleasant way." Darkness' eyes gleamed but Amarth remained undaunted. Legolas however, was no longer as fearful as he was before but suspicious of Amarth's secrecy.
"What truth are you keeping from me?" Legolas demanded.
"Nothing he would ever tell you," Darkness said before Amarth had a chance to speak, "it is best not to trust someone such as Amarth. He will lie to suit his own needs and does it effortlessly as well. I can assure you Legolas that half of what he has already told you is not true. I, however, would gladly tell you everything he has chosen to withhold."

Darkness spread his arms out as if inviting Legolas to come to him, but despite what he was being told Legolas was no fool.
"How do I know that you are not lying as well?" He narrowed his eyes as Darkness lowered his arms.
"You're a bright little elfling aren't you Legolas? It does not surprise me, after all, you are the Light Keeper."
Legolas opened his mouth ready to once again deny who they claimed him to be but was not given the chance as Amarth stepped forward bristling in anger.
"Why do you just stand there and talk? You came here for a reason so get on with it!" Amarth looked ready to fight, shadows swirled in his left hand and his eyes were burning with rage.

"Calm yourself Amarth. I did not come here to do battle, I only wished to talk and see the new Light Keeper with my own eyes. I have waited so long…"
A shudder passed through Legolas as Darkness focused his gaze on him once again. Something wasn't right…
Amarth said Darkness wanted to kill him, yet he hadn't.
Why?

"Well you saw him. Now get out of here before I kill you." Amarth raised his hand, his restraint nearly gone. Darkness shook his head chuckling in amusement.
"You couldn't kill me even if you wanted to Amarth, there is too much darkness inside of you and not enough light to balance it out. I can do this-" Faster than Legolas could blink a shadow flew towards him, striking the Elf in the chest and sending him flying backwards. He landed on the ground stunned and breathless; gasping to refill his bruised lungs with air. "-and you would not lift a finger."
Legolas rolled onto his side, using his shaking arms to try and push himself up. He looked helplessly at Amarth his eyes pleading for him to help, but the Between Keeper only stood and watched, his face expressionless.
"You will do nothing because my power is greater than yours," Darkness slowly made his way forward, "you will stand there Amarth and watch. After all isn't that what you do best?"
Again Amarth's body trembled with unfathomable rage. Legolas had never seen someone with such raw, powerful anger in their eyes before.

He felt Darkness approaching and tried once again to push himself up; but it felt as if an invisible weight was keeping him from rising, he was trapped.
"What did you do when Light needed help? Oh, that's right, you watched. How brave of you Amarth, I still cannot fathom why she chose you to be the third Keeper…"
Chosen? Legolas' head was spinning as Darkness' words entered his mind. The Dark Keeper was now kneeling in front of him causing the young Elf to tremble uncontrollably. How could one being instill so much terror into his heart? Darkness' pale eyes traveled over Legolas' helpless form; he seemed to be studying him and he felt a chill creep down his spine as the Dark Keeper nodded in approval.

"Yes, you are everything I'd expected you to be Legolas."
The Elf's body tensed as Darkness placed a hand on his head, gently stroking the golden strands. Legolas wanted to close his eyes but even that simple action was stolen from him.
"You would serve me well young one, a loyal servant to carry out his master's bidding if you would just let me in."
Darkness lifted his hand and placed it under Legolas' chin forcing his head up. Pale eyes took in every feature of the young Elf's face, memorizing every detail. Then their eyes locked; searing pain exploded inside of Legolas' head, he screamed and tried to pull away from the Dark Keeper but his captor only tightened his grip. It felt as though an eternity had passed before Legolas was released, falling lifelessly onto the ground. Darkness stood over the still body; if his face had been visible one could see him frowning.

"So she set up a barrier before she left, this will make things difficult…" He stood there for a little longer before turning away from the elfling. Amarth was glaring at him with all the hatred he could muster, which only received a chuckle from Darkness.
"If I didn't know any better I would say that you actually cared about him." The Dark Keeper searched Amarth's eyes for a hint of what he was thinking, but the Elf was on his guard.
"You did what you came here for, now go," Amarth growled.
"Are you truly that upset with me? Even though you knew this would happen? Or did you foolishly think you could prevent this from happening? It does not matter regardless of your thoughts, I did what I had to and you stayed out of the way as you were supposed to. Although thanks to the barrier he will not know the truth, and I know that you won't tell him, perhaps I should just take him now and-"

"GET AWAY!" Amarth threw both light and shadow at the Dark Keeper who vanished just before he could be struck, his mocking laughter echoing in Amarth's ears. Seeing that Darkness was gone Amarth ran over to Legolas, kneeling beside the younger Elf he laid a hand on his head and closed his eyes. His feä was (for the most part) unharmed by Darkness' attempted intrusion. Amarth opened his eyes and removed his hand, watching the rising and falling of Legolas' chest.

Was Darkness right? Did he actually care about the younger Elf? Amarth thought back to the last person he had cared for, oh how long ago that was…
He shook himself angrily, now was not the time to dwell on the past. What was the point anyway? What had happened was done and there was nothing he nor anyone else could do about it. Sighing in frustration Amarth continued his silent vigil at Legolas' side, watching and waiting for him to awake.

)0()0(

"There are riders approaching." Aragorn lifted his head off the ground, his eyes searching for the coming horsemen. Boromir followed his gaze and his eyes soon landed on the riders.
"Are we to wait for them or hide until they pass?" Boromir asked.
"We will wait to see if they are friend or foe. Get behind those rocks."
Boromir looked over his shoulder and waved Gimli and Frodo forward. The Dwarf and Hobbit quickly headed for the rocks Aragorn had pointed out and Boromir followed with Aragorn close behind.

A whole day had passed since Legolas was taken once again by Amarth. All had been left in a state of shock, not knowing what could be done to find their missing companion. Aragorn and even Gimli hadn't wanted to leave in case Legolas returned but Boromir and Frodo convinced them that this action would be folly. If they waited for Legolas they would lose the Hobbits possibly for good, and the quest was being put off for far too long. Boromir had finally managed to persuade them to continue their hunt by reminding them that Legolas found them before he could do so again.

It had been hard for the Ranger and Dwarf to accept this, but in the end, they agreed that Boromir and Frodo were right. And so here they were now; possibly about to meet with hostile riders. However Boromir doubted that these were enemies, it was much more likely that they were of the Riddermark, loyal to Rohan. If that was the case there was a chance that they would receive help with their hunt. The thundering sound of the horses' hooves grew louder until the riders raced past their hiding place. From where he crouched Boromir could see green banners waving in the wind, glancing at Aragorn the two exchanged a knowing nod. After the last of the riders had passed Aragorn stepped out from between the rocks and Boromir followed along with Gimli and Frodo who was gazing warily ahead of them.

"Riders of Rohan! What news from the mark?" Aragorn's call caught the attention of the riders who turned their mounts around and raced back to where the Fellowship stood. Frodo was moved to the center of their small group just as the riders began to surround them. The ground thundered beneath Boromir's feet and though he knew these were Rohirrim he kept his hand rested on the hilt of his sword. Spears were lowered in front of them pointing inches from his and Aragorn's faces. Frodo kept himself as hidden as possible, one hand resting over where the Ring hung hidden under his shirt. A man's voice sounded behind Boromir, he assumed that this was the leader of the riders.

"What business do two men and a Dwarf have in the riddermark? Speak quickly," he demanded as Boromir turned to face him his brow furrowed slightly. There was something familiar about this man. Another thing he noticed was that the riders hadn't seemed to notice Frodo standing among them, perhaps that was for the best at the moment.
"Give me your name horse master," Gimli said staring up at the man without the slightest trace of fear, "and I shall give you mine."
The rider dismounted his grey horse, keeping his dark eyes locked on Gimli.
"I would cut off your head, Dwarf, it stood but a little higher off the ground." He made no move to carry out his threat, but that did not stop Frodo from suddenly stepping forward with his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
"You will not harm him, not as long as I stand by his side." His sudden appearance caused several riders to gasp and stare in shock at the strange creature before them. Though none seemed more surprised than the one who had threatened Gimli.

Before anyone could make a move Aragorn stepped forward, "I'm Aragorn son Arathorn. This is Gimli son of Gloin, Boromir of Gondor and Frodo of the Shire. We are friends of Rohan and of Theoden your king."
Boromir was aware of why Aragorn purposefully left out his father's name; they did not know whether friend or foe and so far they had proven to be the latter. It would be unwise to reveal that he was the son of the Steward of Gondor to just anyone. However, Aragorn's caution was proven to be unnecessary as the man's eyes widened.

"You are Boromir, son of Denethor?"
Boromir glanced sideways at Aragorn who gave a subtle shake of his head.
"As my friend said before, give me your name and I shall give you mine."
The man removed his helm and now it was Boromir's eyes that widened.
"Èomer! Forgive me, I did not recognize you!" The two men clasped each other's forearms in greeting, a ghost of a smile appeared on Èomer's face.
"I am the one who should apologize, for I had spears pointed at the son of a Steward." At Èomer's command, the spears were lifted, while some riders stared in awe at the travelers, a few still seemed suspicious of them regardless of who they traveled with.

"You know each other?" Gimli asked glaring suspiciously at Èomer. Remembering that his friends were there Boromir quickly made introductions. "This is Èomer son of Èomund, we met during one of my rare visits to Edoras and have kept each other informed of the happenings in our lands."
"What are you doing this far from Gondor?" Èomer asked.
"We are hunting a pack of orcs who have taken three friends of our friends captive, have you seen orcs in these lands by any chance?"
Èomer's smile vanished and his face turned grim. "The orcs were destroyed we slaughtered them during the night."
"Did you see any Hobbits?" Frodo asked looking up at Èomer with a hopeful gleam in his eyes. "They would look as I do, please tell me if you saw them."

Èomer still seemed to be in shock at seeing Frodo there, but it was soon replaced with quiet sorrow as he stated: "We left none alive."
Frodo's face turned pale and he swayed on his feet, the Hobbit would have fallen if Gimli hadn't been there to steady him. Boromir faintly heard him whisper, "No, please no..."
Èomer's own eyes betrayed his own grief at seeing Frodo's reaction to the news but continued speaking. "We piled the carcasses and burned them," he pointed east and they followed his gaze. In the distance, Boromir could just make out smoke rising into the air.

"I would let you go search for your friends, but our law allows no one to travel through our lands without the king's consent." There was regret but also pleading in Èomer's voice. Boromir knew that he wished to bring them to Edoras before Theoden, such as their law required, but they could not go now without knowing the fates of Sam, Merry, and Pippin.
"Allow us to go and discover what has befallen our companions," Aragorn moved to stand beside Boromir, "after we find the answers we seek you have my word that we will go to Edoras and seek permission from your king to travel through his kingdom."
Èomer's eyes narrowed. "How do I know that I can trust you to keep your word?"
"Because he has never failed to do so before," Boromir said meeting Èomer's gaze with a challenging stare. The two studied each other for a moment in silence; finally, Èomer let out a sharp whistle.

"Arod! Hasufel!" Two horses (one white and one brown) walked up to Èomer who handed their reins to Aragorn and Boromir.
"May these horses bear you to better fortune than their former masters." With that Èomer returned to his own steed and mounted. "You may search for your friends, and I trust that you will come to Edoras as you promised."
"We will come." Aragorn assured him.
Nodding his head Èomer kicked his horse to a run and his men followed. The four friends waited until they were out of sight before exchanging worried looks with each other. Frodo was the only one who did not look at any of them, his eyes remained staring at the ground as a single tear rolled down his face.

He was already mourning for the friends he believed to be lost.