Chapter 11, Passage Home.
As they began crossing the Caradhras things were going well. They had not met with any of the evil beings that resided in the mountain so far and for that they were thankful.
But when they had come to the end of the mountain passage there was a group of orcs blocking the way with Scyra in the lead.
"Send forth the elfling by the name of Elladan and his wounded brother and I won't harm anyone else." Scyra demanded.
Elladan's face went white. How was it that she knew about Elrohir being wounded? He had thought that Scyra believed she had killed him.
Haldir and his warriors stood in front of the cart, protecting everyone around it and inside it.
"You will not take any of them." Haldir said.
Scyra laughed. "I know the one I wounded is almost dead. This delay might prove useful." Scyra said with an evil smile.
Then she turned to her orcs. "Go on, get them." She said.
The orcs hissed and began attacking. They rushed at the elven warriors, but Haldir had been prepared as had his warriors.
They fought fiercely, but they didn't realize the attack was a distraction.
Scyra had another band of orcs hidden at a different position, waiting for the signal.
Scyra raised her sword and it flashed in the sunlight. The orcs rushed down from their hiding and towards Celebrian and Arwen and the cart.
Arwen screamed and her horse side stepped. Celebrian moved between Arwen and the orcs, intending to defend her daughter.
Haldir noticed this and he sent some of his warriors to go and get those orcs. The warriors rushed over and began attacking before they did any harm.
Scyra was pleased with all this confusion. She slipped passed Haldir and came to the cart. She smiled when she saw the maiden sitting with Elrohir.
"Lovely to see you again." Scyra said with a wicked grin.
Then she raised her dagger over Elrohir.
"No stop!" Nessimon cried.
But then Scyra's dagger and Elladan's sword clashed right over Elrohir's body.
Elladan forced her back and she fell into the snow.
She jumped up to her feet and grabbed her sword.
"Fine fight me, he's going to die anyway. Can't you see it's hopeless? I would actually be putting your brother out of his misery if I killed him." Scyra said, hoping to confuse him.
Elladan paused for a moment, but then slashed at her.
"My brother will live!" Elladan shouted.
Scyra laughed. "Oh sure he will. He has a fever, does he not? It hasn't broken yet. He'll be dead before he reaches your home land and he'll be suffering all the way." Scyra said.
Elladan felt tears in his eyes, but refused to believe it.
"Stop it! Stop telling me lies!" Elladan shouted.
Scyra just smiled and continued to fight him. She could see that Nessimon was holding Elrohir protectively in her arms. Scyra smirked, she wouldn't be much, and it would almost be dull to kill her.
Suddenly Scyra realized once again her orcs had failed her. They were almost all dead. She swore angrily, why wasn't this working out? Every time she had an opportunity to kill them something would prevent it.
She knew though that if she wanted to live she had to run and wait some more.
"No…I hate waiting! Why couldn't he have sent me with a band of Easterlings, not some stupid orcs." Scyra growled.
Then she glared at Elladan. "You…you're preventing me from reaching the power that will give me strength to rule! I will be the captain of my army!" She shouted.
Then an orc cried out, telling her they had to leave. Scyra fumed with anger but rushed after them back into the mountains.
"Come, we had best continue before she musters more of the beasts." Haldir said.
"No, I have a score to settle with her. You all go home." Elladan said.
Arwen looked worried. "But Elrohir needs you." She said.
Elladan looked up. "No he doesn't. I can't do anymore for him. Ada will be able to help him. I have to take care of this threat." Elladan said.
Then he walked over to the cart and touched his brother's hot face. He frowned.
"I'll defeat her Elrohir. I promise you, but you have to promise me you'll live." Elladan whispered.
Then Elrohir opened his eyes slightly. "Elladan…I…I'm so tired. I feel….weak." Elrohir whispered.
Elladan nodded sadly. "I know. I'm sorry I can't do more." Elladan whispered.
Then he took his sword and bow and made off after Scyra. He knew fighting was not his strong point, that was Elrohir's strength, but he had to do this now that Elrohir was wounded.
Nessimon watched as he left. He was so brave to do that. But now it was up to her to keep an eye on Elrohir.
Elrohir's eyes closed again and he looked so frail in her eyes. He seemed to be in such pain.
"Hurry, we need to get to Imladris. I fear Elrohir's time is short." Nessimon said.
Then they continued down the mountain. None of them were sure if they would ever see Elladan again.
What shall happen to Elladan now? You'll have to wait for the next chapter, but please leave a review. Nethwen