A/N: Thanks to all of my reviewers. I appreciate all of you loyal readers.
Disclaimer: Alas, again I do not own Tolkien's world, but the plot and original characters, including Raun and Jobel are mine.
Previously:
It was then he knew what must be done. He would not wait on others; they would follow the trail and give his brother a chance.
They walked back to the horses and mounted again. Elrohir looked to his friend.
"We will follow the trail. We will find a way to let everyone in Imladris know where the trail goes."
Legolas smiled, "good I would not have it any other way. I wish to see your tithen gwador home safe and sound and I do not wish to wait on orders."
They followed the trail from the clearing, into the woods, across the borders of Imladris and into the wilds.
They may not have known where they were going but they would find Estel…
Chapter 10—The Chase Begins
Legolas and Elrohir followed the trail as it headed into the wilds. They could see the kidnappers were riding hard and fast, trying to put distance between themselves and Imladris.
Elrohir could only think of his family and the events of the last few days. He was unsure if anything would be the same again. His father had been attacked inside the borders of Imladris and his baby brother was missing, kidnapped. He did not know if either was alive.
Not to mention he was separated from his twin and did not know when he would see him again. It was rare that the two were apart; in fact he was unsure of the last time they were not together.
Legolas kept thinking of Estel; he feared for the safety of the little one. Legolas knew in his heart he would do anything to protect the young adan child and if he found out someone had hurt the boy, he would not be responsible for his actions.
The blonde elf thought back to the first time he had met the child, only a year before. He had felt a bond to Estel, a bond he could not explain.
Flashback:
Legolas arrived at Imladris the week before, and was enjoying time with his friends, the twins, and their new little brother, Estel. The small child brought light and happiness wherever he went and he was happy to see the change that had brought into Lord Elrond's household and to the twins in particular. They had been in mourning since their naneth left and it was good to see them smile again.
The four of them were enjoying a sunny day near the falls. The twins were lounging near a tree, taking a nap; Legolas and Estel were exploring the riverbank. The elf turned to throw a rock at the sleeping twins; the youngster was excited, pointing at something, trying to get the elf's attention.
Suddenly Estel screamed as he fell into the water and went under, the current was fast and frigid with the spring runoff and the child was being taken downstream, nearer the raging falls. Legolas heard the splash and turned back at the sound. He found the boy was longer next to him; suddenly the child's head broke the surface of the water, down river. He saw the look of panic and fear written on the child's face, the silent pleading.
Without even thinking Legolas jumped into the water after the child, the flow of the icy water taking the two closer to the falls. He struggled to reach Estel before it was too late. The young elf saw the little arms break the surface and then the face, gasping for air before water washed over the face again. He grabbed the boy's arms and pulled him close, bringing his face above the water.
The little boy looked straight into Legolas' heart, a look of absolute trust on his face; as if he knew the elf would save him. The look startled the young elf and it was as if he could see the future and knew his life was bound to that of the child and he would do everything in his power to protect him.
He struggled to swim to the shore with his small burden, the roar of the falls ringing in his ears. As he neared the shore he could see the twins following them down the riverbank, fear etched on their faces. As he reached the bank Elrohir pulled them out of the water and Elladan reached to take Estel from him.
Legolas found he could not release the child to his brothers. He looked down at the innocent face and knew he had to protect him; Estel fell unconscious as he ran for the Last Homely House, and Estel's father.
As he approached the house Elrond came running out, a look of horror on his face as he took in his son's still form and wet clothes. Fearing the worst he took Estel from the young prince and ran inside, for the healing wing.
As he laid the little boy on a bed he was relieved to find he was still breathing.
While taking off the wet clothes Elrond asked, "What happened?"
The twins explained that Estel and Legolas were exploring the riverbank; they had been resting under a tree. Suddenly they heard Estel scream and a splash. They said with awe and appreciation that Legolas, without thinking of his own safety, dove in and saved their tithen gwador.
"Hannon le," Elrond told Legolas, who was not even paying attention, as he focused on the little one in the bed. He must live!
The healer wrapped Estel in warm blankets, trying to warm the little boy. He took a seat next to his youngest son and waited for him to wake, the others took their cue from the Lord and pulled a seat and waited.
They were not disappointed, for a short time later a small voice could be heard from the bed.
"Ada…"
"Estel, how do you feel?"
"Cold, Ada, so cold."
"Do you remember what happened?"
"I was looking at a fish, slipped and fell in. I would have drowned but Legolas saved me."
Estel found the blonde elf sitting at his bedside, grasped his hand, looked him in the eyes and said, "Hannon le, Legolas, you saved my life."
"You are welcome," replied Legolas though he looked distracted.
"I need you to drink this tea, ion nín," said Lord Elrond as he hand Estel a mug.
The boy took the mug from his father, took a sip, and said, "It tastes yucky Ada," as he made a horrible face.
"I know tithen pen, but it will warm you and help keep you from getting sick," said the elf lord as he reached for the offending mug, the little boy started to drift off, "and it will make you rest.."
"Legolas, I know you will not get sick but go clean up and put dry clothes on," ordered Elrond.
Legolas got up and headed for his room, still thinking about what happened, not understanding it, but trying to accept it.
Estel recovered quickly and for the rest of his visit could be found with Legolas, the two became inseparable. It seemed that fateful day on the riverbank forged a lifelong bond, that would never be broken.
Present
"Legolas, Legolas, are you all right?"
"I am fine Elrohir, I am sorry, I was just thinking."
"About," prompted the twin.
"Estel."
"It would seem he is all either of us can think about."
"Aye, he does."
"I worry for my family. I fear things will never be the same."
Legolas stopped his horse and looked the twin in the eye, "Avo osto, he will be all right, they both will."
The younger twin looked away and said, "I pray to the Vala, that they will be."
"And we will find Estel," added the prince.
Elrohir had nothing to say and just nodded, he was so worried for his family.
Noticing the fear overcoming his friend, "Come let us ride and find our precious gift."
Both elves were quiet as they rode hard, following the trail. That evening, as the sun slowly sunk below the western horizon, painting the sky in oranges and pinks, they slowed as the trail came to a creek; they dismounted and had a look around.
Legolas was looking amongst the footprints left by the men, searching for any sign of Estel. Suddenly he found it and cried out for the boy's brother.
"Elrohir,tule sí thír."
The dark haired twin found the prince squatting, looking at some marks on the ground; he knelt down next to him. Pointing to some small footprints, Legolas said, "See, these footprints are too small for a full grown man, they must be Estel's."
Elrohir breathed a sigh of relief. His brother may still be with the men but at least he was still able to walk, a good sign, he hoped.
They followed the small footprints until they came to the spot where the horses had been kept. The footprints stopped and it was obvious Estel head been put on a horse and the group had continued their ride.
Elrohir's eyes followed the trail west, thinking of his young brother, alone, with those men. He worried for the boy; did he know they would come for him?
The two stood in silence for a time, just thinking of all that had transpired. Finally Legolas broke the silence, "Let us get our bedrolls and rest here for a few hours…"
An agitated Elrohir broke in, "We must continue and find my gwador."
"You did not allow me to finish, I was going to say let us rest for a few hours, after the moon rises, for it is full tonight, we shall arise and continue the pursuit by moonlight."
Adding, "The men have been careless and left a trail even an elfling could follow in the moonlight."
Seeing the wisdom in this plan, Elrohir nodded his agreement and they went to their horses and retrieved their packs and bedrolls. They returned to the tree and set up camp underneath it.
Quietly they ate a dinner of dried fruits and meats and some bread that they had in their packs.
Standing, Legolas stretched and said, "Quel esta, mellon nََin," seeing his friend, was about to get up, "I shall take the first watch."
As he watched the twin settle down on to his bedroll to rest, Legolas walked a few feet away and climbed into a tree to keep watch. Once again he wondered about Estel, where the boy was and what was happening to him. His mind's wanderings kept him occupied until hours had passed and the moon was shining brightly overhead.
Legolas climbed down from the tree and awoke the sleeping form, "Echuio pen-olthol we must ride if we are to catch up with the kidnappers."
"I thought you were going to keep the first watch."
"I lost track of time, before I realized it was time for us to ride."
As he stood and stretched Elrohir looked at his friend doubtfully, he figured the young prince was worrying about him.
Seeing his friend's agitation he added, "Dََihena enni, next time you shall take first watch."
The two friends looked at each other, small smiles at the corners of their mouths until both started laughing for they saw the absurdity of fighting over watches, considering their bigger problems.
As if reading his friend's thoughts, Legolas grasped him by the shoulder, pulled him away and said, "Come, let us continue."
The two hurriedly packed their bedrolls, packs, returned to their horses and mounted up. As they followed the trail, they found it was exactly as Legolas predicted. The moonlight lit the path; the trail could be plainly seen.
They rode hard but silently throughout the night, for they did not want to attract the attention of things that traveled in the dark. They did not slow or stop until the sun started to color the sky. Sensing their horses tiring, and knowing they also needed to stop and rest, they found a creek, dismounted and relaxed.
Both knelt and got a drink from the creek, filling their water skins. After cleaning the trail dust from his face and hands, Legolas stood and said, "Let us see what we have left to eat," said the blonde elf as he looked into saddlebags.
Not finding much he added, "Soon we must hunt or go hungry."
"Aye, I know but I would prefer not to spend the time."
"We have enough food for today and maybe tomorrow, we can put hunting off for a little longer," comforted Legolas.
"Good for I wish to continue," at this Elrohir stood, picked up his belonging, and started for his horse and the prince stood and joined his friend.
The elves mounted their horses and followed the trail to the west. Again they were quiet each thinking of those who were lost. As the sun rose it was hot and by late morning they came to the last campsite of the men.
Again Legolas was the first to find sign of Estel, as he followed some little footprints, and found the young one had been taken behind a bush by two men, out of sight of the main camp; this caused the elf to worry. What would the men do to the little boy?
He could see evidence, marks in the dirt, where it appeared that the lad had fallen down, or was knocked down. Legolas' anger began to grow, if anyone hurt Estel they would answer to him, among others, he thought wryly. It was then he noticed other large footprints leading away, and noticed a child's footprints next to them, leaving this spot.
The elf sighed with relief, for even if he had been hurt, he had been able to walk away. Following the tracks he found where the boy had slept under a tree, with marks nearby, indicating someone had watched over him for the night.
Elrohir joined the prince under the tree and asked, "What have you found?"
The blonde elf looked away from his friend and hesitated, he did not wish to add to his worries. As he finally turned and looked at the dark haired elf, he realized he would have to tell him, for the silence caused him to radiate with anxiety.
Slowly he explained finding Estel's tracks being led behind a bush and it appeared the boy was either knocked or fell down. At this Elrohir's appearance changed to that of anger but changed quickly to one of relief as he was told that his brother had walked away and had apparently slept under that very tree the night before.
Elrohir was glad to find his little brother apparently had a caretaker; hopefully the man could protect Estel from others in the group. Silently he said, "Héb estel tithen gwador, mín tulan le."
Elrohir's eyes followed the trail west, thinking of his young brother, alone, with those men. He worried for the boy; how was he? Had he been harmed?
As if reading his friend's thoughts, Legolas grasped him by the shoulder, pulled him away, and looking at the clear blue sky, said, "Come, we are only hours behind, let us get our little treasure back."
Mounting their loyal steeds, they followed the trail to the west. The sun was hot and they had to stop a few times throughout the day to rest their horses and eat. They never stopped for long and were back on the trail quickly; for both hoped that two elves could ride faster than a group of men, who had to care for a small child.
As they rode through the woods they felt the trees speak of danger and both elves could feel the anxiety hang in the air. In the distance they heard a familiar sound and an odor wafted to their sensitive noses, yrchs. Neither cared to battle with the creatures, they had other enemies to seek. They continued to follow the tracks through the forest, as the sounds of battle drifted to their ears. No one deserved to fight those monsters alone, they should offer their assistance.
Legolas turned and looked his friend in the eye, "We must help."
Releasing a sigh he answered, "I know, but I do not wish to stop the hunt."
As he studied the trail Legolas added, "We may not have to the tracks head in the direction of the battle."
The friends dismounted their horses, hid them in the forest and walked towards the battle. The voices of men were mixed with the sounds of orcs and the clang of swords. As they grew closer to the clearing the smell of blood filled the air. They crept closer and saw men engaged in battle with the fiends. Could it be the men they hunt?
They unsheathed their weapons, charged into the clearing and engaged the orcs in battle. With the first swing of his sword the dark haired twin beheaded a foul creature. The prince charged two beasts, killing both. As they looked across the clearing they observed the men were vastly outnumbered but appeared to be holding their own, but had sustained losses, three men lay dying on the ground, their blood mingling with the dirt.
Realizing they had enemies at their backs, the monsters turned to engage them, charging the elves. The prince's knives began to sing as he cut down his foes, their bodies began to litter the ground. Elrohir stayed near his friend, protecting his back, his sword cutting down the vicious monsters.
Suddenly a voice rang out, "Ro, Legolas I am here!"
Estel! He was here but where, was he safe? He scanned the clearing for his gwador, as an abomination of nature charged him, distracted, the twin reacted too slowly and the thing's blade sliced his right side. He jumped away from it, brought his sword to bear, rammed it home through the creature's neck and pulled out the blade. It fell to the ground gasping, blood gurgling from its wound.
"Estel," screamed the twin, as he turned to check on Legolas. The elf was a blur, his knives cutting through the air killing the foul beasts and he appeared to be uninjured. He turned back to the search for his gwador.
Again the voice rang out, "Ro, over here!"
Looking around Elrohir finally located Estel in a tree, across the clearing; a dark haired man was at its base cutting down the filthy beasts, battling, alone.
Seeing his brother was fairly safe in the tree Elrohir yelled, "Estel, stay where you are!" "We shall come for you!"
"Legolas, Estel is here!"
Hearing his friend's cry, the prince cut down his adversary, returning to Elrohir's side.
"Where is he?"
Pointing, with his bloody blade, across the clearing, "He is there, in a tree."
Looking across the clearing covered with fallen bodies Legolas, with ho hint of hesitation in his voice, said "Let us rescue your tithen gwador,"
With that they started across the clearing. The orcs seemed to focus their attention on the advancing elves, leaving the men to their own devices. The elves attempted to slash their way through the beasts but were failing as each cut down seemed to be replaced with two more.
Seeing his gwador vastly outnumbered and cut off Estel could take no more. Not realizing the danger, the young boy felt he must get to his brother's side! He quietly climbed down the tree and started across the clearing.
Estel saw the men gathering the horses readying to leave. They were going to desert his brother and Legolas in battle! Estel attempted not to attract the men's attention as he started for Elrohir. Suddenly Raun's voice rang out, "We must go!"
Startled Estel hesitated for a moment and suddenly he was grasped around the waist and thrown over a shoulder.
"Where you going little elfie," Jobel sneered.
No! This yucky man is not going to keep me from Elrohir. Estel started to fight, kicking and screaming. He pulled the man's hair hard, causing his hold on the little boy to slip. Another well placed kick, in the stomach and the man groaned but he did not drop his charge. As a last resort he bit Jobel's neck. The man finally cried out and dropped him to the ground.
Estel started running for his brother's side. Before he got two feet, Jobel grabbed his hair and pulled him back to his side, the little boy screamed in terror and pain.
"You will pay for that. I guarantee it."
The man dragged the boy away by his hair, towards the horses. Just as Jobel was going to put Estel on a horse, a bloody, exhausted Raun turned up and grabbed Estel from him.
"He rides with me."
With no time to argue Estel was thrown on a horse, Raun climbed up behind him and they started to leave the clearing.
"RO! Please help!"
Engaged in battle Elrohir and Legolas had not seen Estel leave the tree, nor did they see Jobel grab the little boy or take him to the horses.
"Legolas, avo dhabo chyn dreged!"
Legolas turned and watched the men, with a crying Estel, on their horses leaving the clearing. There was nothing they could do….
Translations:
Hannon le—Thank you
Ada—Daddy
Adar—Father
Tithen pen—little one
Ion nín—my son
Avo asto—Fear not
Quel esta—Rest well
Dََihena enni—Forgive me
Gwador—brother (sworn not blood)
Tithen gwador—little brother—little brother (sworn not blood)
Mellon nََin—My friend
Avo dhabo chyn dreged—Do not allow them to escape
Héb estel tithen gwador, mín tulan le-- Keep faith little brother, we come for you
Echuio pen-olthol—Wake up dreaming one
Tule sí thír—Come here look