Title: The Roots of Evil
For Disclaimer, Warnings, SummerySummary, etc. please see chapter 1/2 (Thank you!).
Chapter 11 "Caught by the enemy"
A/N 1:
Characters (OCs):
Podlim (Quick-paw): The Poacher
Hador (Spike- or Arrow-carrier): The Hunter
Morgwath (Night's shadow): The Murderer/Killer
Dagnir (Killer, Vanquisher): The former captain and the one pulling the strings
(I know, of course, that humans would not have Sindarin names, but I just couldn't resist. It's fun!)
Elvish terms:
Iston: I know (S)
Lasto beth nin, mellon nin: Listen to me, my friend (S)
Muindor: Brother by blood (S)
Noro lim:
Saes: Please (S)
Thenidair: Loyal Shadow (S)
Italics are thoughts
A/N 2: Many thanks to Chris and her wonderful beta work!
"The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary; men alone are quite capable of every wickedness."
(Joseph Conrad)
Chapter 11: Caught by the enemy
When the sun set in the West, casting the forest in a red glow, Elladan and Elrohir did nothing to slow the pace of their horses. Heavy hooves pounded on the ground, dust and earth flew everywhere. Leaves were trampled, branches snapped, rivers crossed.
For hours the twins rode, never stopping for rest, never looking back. They knew how far they could ride their horses, and they knew their own limits. Worry had gripped their hearts, and it made them ride ceaselessly.
When the sun vanished behind the horizon and darkness covered the lands, Elrohir gazed at his brother. Elladan's face was grim, his eyes directed at the way before him. The brown horse he was riding was sweating, and white foam shimmered on its coat.
Sensing his brother's eyes on him, Elladan turned and locked eyes with his brother. He said nothing, but it was not necessary. Elrohir felt the same as he did, and they both knew that a shadow had crept over the lands, darker and more dangerous than anything that they had encountered before.
Nodding, Elrohir re-directed his gaze at the way. They would not stop yet. They would ride for some more hours, until their horses could truly go no further. Then, and only then, would they take a short rest.
Whispering to his own horse words of comfort and encouragement, Elrohir bent low over its huge head. A cold wind had started to blow, and he wanted to offer as little a target as possible.
So they rode on, the drumming of the hooves and the snorting of the steeds the only sound that spoke of their passing. Darkness descended, and soon the trees around them were nothing more than black shadows, the sky a deep black with only some tiny stars twinkling down.
The moon was not full yet, and its weak light was mostly absorbed by the high treetops, and its silver light was not powerful enough to reach the ground and light the twins' path.
But the elves did know their way, and even had they not known, the darkness would not have stopped them. They feared for their little brother and friend. Although they had decided to search for Estel and not for Legolas, they were concerned about the prince's well being as well.
The messenger bird that their father had send, would need at least a week to reach the palace, and then any rescue troops would need one and a half week to reach the Last Homely House. But the twins knew that they could do nothing about that fact. And after all, if Legolas was poisoned, he had a chance of making it back to Imladris or his home. But Estel was only human, and if the venom had claimed his body as well, he would have a harder time to overcome the symptoms, and reach help.
No, the decision to search for their little brother had been the right one. They felt it, they knew it.
The moon rose high into the sky, and more and more stars appeared in the heavens, twinkling merrily down on the earth. The wind picked up, and soon leaves and tiny branches flew through the air, branches swayed and dry needles rained down on the riders.
But the twins did not care, if they even noticed.
When the moon had sailed past its highest point and was already beginning to sink to the horizon, Elladan finally slowed his horse, and then stopped. They had reached a tree-surrounded glade.
Stopping beside his brother's horse, Elrohir breathed deeply. The air was rich with the smell of night flowers and damp earth, and for a moment he wondered if he had ever been in this place before. But he dismissed the thought as soon as it had come. It did not matter.
Dismounting, the brothers relieved their horses of the packs and guided them to a little stream that flowed at the edge of the glade. The animals drank eagerly, filling their starved throats with the cool liquid. When they were done, the twins bade them to stay close and rest, and the steeds trotted away into the surrounding forest.
Sighing, Elladan let himself flop down on the grass, and his fingers began to play with the long thin grass stems. Although it had been an exhausting day, he felt no tiredness, but only a hollow feeling in his stomach that urged him to go on. To mount his horse and flee through the night, to find Estel and help him. But he knew that he could not do that. The horses needed their rest, and he knew that he would need some minutes of rest as well.
Sighing again, he heard his brother sit down next to him. Elrohir opened his water flask, and after taking a few sips, handed it over to his brother. Taking it gratefully, Elladan drank as well, and then closed it to lay it aside.
When Elrohir handed him some dried fruit, he looked up towards his brother. The look on Elrohir's face seemed to match his own, determined. Nodding his thanks, he took the fruit, but he did not eat them. He was not hungry. The fear and worry for his human brother had made his stomach flip more often than he could count, and he felt no desire to eat.
Elrohir seemed to sense his brother's mood, "Elladan, please. You will not help Estel if you starve yourself."
"Iston."
"Then eat, muindor."
Shoving some more food into his brother's hands, Elrohir laid his hand on Elladan's shoulder briefly.
"We will find him and bring him back. You will see, all will be well in the end."
Thankful for the comfort his brother was giving him, Elladan nodded. But he could not help the feeling that Elrohir was trying to convince his brother as much as himself. Nevertheless, Elladan began to eat, and satisfied with his brother, Elrohir began to eat as well.
As soon as the horses had rested, they would head out into the night again, and if luck was on their side, with the coming of the second dawn, they would find their brother.
--oOo--
Legolas had walked for hours, steadily following the stony path that would lead him out of the mountains. The bleeding on his arm had stopped long ago, and as the gash did not hurt him as much as it could, he had decided not to stop, but walk through the day until night had fallen.
With the darkness of the night, he had stopped near a small overhang. Even for an elf with keen eyesight, it was too dangerous to move through the Misty Mountains at night. There were sharp rocks, steep slopes and gaping chasms in the mountains, and if he was not careful, he would find his early end at the bottom of a black pit.
After seeing to his horse and again making sure that it was not hurt, Legolas sat down on the cold stones. The fog that had covered the mountains had vanished during the day, and the sky was clear and cloud free. It was dotted with tiny twinkling stars, and here and there he thought that he saw a star shower. But more likely than not, that was only his imagination.
Sighing, Legolas began the unnerving task of cleaning and bandaging the cut on his arm. It was not deep, and within a few minutes he had washed the wound. Crushing some of the herbs from his medicinal kit in his hands and wetting them with a bit of water from his flask, he smeared the paste on the wound, before he bandaged it tightly.
Tightening his cloak around his shoulders and leaning against the rock wall in his back, he gazed out over the shadowy mountains. The world looked so peaceful, so innocent. But he knew better. Only some hours ago a few goblins had tried to kill and eat him. That was not something he would forget anytime soon.
And somewhere, either the twins or Estel are in danger. If I only knew. Not knowing is worse than knowing!
Sighing again, he reached inside his pack and took out some fruit and lembas. Together with his water, it would have to be enough for tonight, as he did not dare to light a fire. The warmth would be welcome, but the light would attract more beasts, and he had no intention to play a waiting target.
When morning came, he would set out once more, following the path, and once down the mountains, he would see what to do. Either head north, or to Imladris. Perhaps the answer to this question would present itself once he had reached even ground.
Letting his eyes glaze over in elven sleep as soon as he had finished his meal, Legolas let himself slip into the dream world. He knew that his horse would keep watch over him, as it usually did. And so, he slept, undisturbed and dreamless.
Morning dawned cold and misty in the mountains, and as Legolas guided his horse down the steeper parts of the way, he once more felt his cloak and clothing dampen.
I hate mist! The next time I travel from Imladris to Mirkwood, I will go through the Gap of Rohan! It might be longer, yes, but at least it is not a misty road!
Grumbling under his breath and at the same time keeping his senses open for any kind of danger, he made his way down the Misty Mountains. After having traveled for two days since his decision to turn around, he neared the softer slopes, and soon he would be able to ride once more. And then, it would only take him one more day to reach the ground and the forest on the borders of Imladris.
The sun rose in the sky, and the icy temperatures that had greeted the day, gradually increased. Legolas, as an elf, did not feel the coldness, but he was thankful that the dew that covered the stones was slowly vanishing in the sunny rays. It made his path more secure, and he could quicken his steps.
In the early afternoon, he mounted his horse, and with a whispered, "Lasto beth nin, mellon nin. We need to go down quickly, I am afraid. But I promise you, once down, I will reward you with a huge piece of sugar," He was on his way.
Neighing and throwing its huge head up and down, the horse set out down the mountain. Patting its neck and smiling, Legolas let the reins slacken. The steed would find the safest and quickest way down, and it would not do if Legolas tried to steer it. The animal was surefooted and had crossed the mountains more than once; it knew where to tread and which way to go.
Leaning back a bit in the saddle, he gazed at the surrounding rocks and boulders. The hollow feeling in his stomach had not vanished, and the closer he came to Imladris, the stronger it got. He knew that something dreadful had happened, although he did not know when and to whom precisely. It did not matter. He knew that his help was needed. Desperately.
Tucking a strand of blond hair behind his ear, he gazed at the blue sky above him.
Please, do not let me come too late. Please.
--oOo--
A twittering bird was the first sound that reached his tired mind. Shifting under his blanket and trying to ignore the sunny rays that shone through his eyelids, Estel turned onto his other side.
Morning had come too soon for his liking. He had slept peacefully and deeply the last night, but after two days of pain and coldness and a day of riding, his body had not yet fully recovered. It demanded its rest, and no matter how much Estel willed his tired body to get up and move, a part of his mind soothed him back to sleep.
As a ranger, he was used to reach the state of full alertness in a second, but he felt safe in this little rock surrounded clearing. The walls were thick and high; it held out the wind and most of the rain, and the grass was soft and gentle under his body.
Truly, this place was a little haven near the Misty Mountains. The only thing that was annoying, was the bird that sat on the twig of one of the bushes, twittering merrily. It seemed the tiny animal had taken it upon itself to wake the whole of Arda to this cold, but sunny morning.
I'll kill it!
Groaning and turning onto his back, Estel slowly opened his eyes. Sunlight streamed into them, and he closed them quickly.
Too early.
Taking a deep breath, he lay for a moment longer, snuggled into his warm blanket, and enjoyed the warm rays onto his face. It truly was a fine day and an even more glorious morning. Had it not been for the bird, of course.
Sighing as the animal's chirping reached a new level, Estel finally opened his eyes again, and sat up slowly. The grass around him was white with frost where the shadow of the mountains darkened the earth, but the sunny places were green and wet.
Reaching for his pack and giving the still twittering bird an angry glare, he changed into a clean tunic, and then made his way over to his horse. Thenidair was grazing near the northern edge of the clearing, tail swishing from right to left. Lifting its head and flicking the pointy ears as it heard its master approach, it neighed happily.
Reaching Thenidair's side, Estel patted him on the neck, and then moved his hand to scratch its forehead.
"Good morning, my friend. Are you rested? We need to cover many leagues today, mellon."
Thenidair nickered once more, and then eagerly nuzzled Estel's chest. The horse knew exactly were the man stored the horse's treats: some carrots and apples.
Laughing, Estel reached inside his tunic and fed some of the sugar pieces to the horse. Patting the neck one last time, he turned and headed back to his pack. Eying the leaving man, Thenidair gave a short snort, and then continued munching on the lush grass that grew in the clearing.
Flopping down on his blanket, Estel searched his pack for some of the herbs that he had found the day before, and soon a tea was brewing over the fire. Despite the warmth of the morning sun and the sheltering blanket that he had used during the night, he shivered a little. Whether due to the cold of the night, lack of sleep or the last remnants of the illness, he did not know.
Sipping the finished tea, a low rumble suddenly floated to his ears, and he looked down surprised.
Oops.
Grinning sheepishly, Estel patted his stomach. Now, as his stomach grumbled and demanded food, he remembered that he had not eaten the night before, and so he reached for his pack again, to get something to eat.
The lembas did not look very inviting to him, and therefore he ate some of the dried fruit he still had. They tasted a little old, but he did not mind it. Fruits were better than lembas in any case.
After finishing his meal and drinking up his tea, he packed away his things, put out the fire, and then called for his horse. Snorting, it trotted over the grass to him, and then nuzzled his shoulder gently.
Scratching Thenidair's nose, Estel said gently, "Aye, we will be on our way in a few minutes, mellon nin."
Lifting his bed roll and pack onto his horse's back and securing them, Estel let his gaze travel over the secluded clearing on last time. He had left no signs of his stay except for the remnants of the fire, and even they would be gone with the next rain shower.
Satisfied, he climbed onto Thenidair's back, and turned into the direction of the small entrance.
Time to leave.
--oOo--
For Dagnir, the night had been too long. The hours seemed to have crawled past, and more than once he had found himself standing to his feet, eager to just kill the ranger and get it over with.
But no, every time he had set down again, had played with his knife, and waited. Waited and waited and waited until he was sick of waiting. And then, the horizon had glowed red and pink; morning had finally come. And with the morning, came Dagnir's time to act.
Oh, he had no doubt that his men were still hiding; exactly in the places he had commanded them to be. They would do as he had asked, and when he gave the signal, they would not hesitate. Stationed at strategic places on and around the rock walls that surrounded the clearing, they had sat out the frosty night and waited. As had he.
But now, time had come to move, to do what he had set out to do. The fly had come to the spider. Time to catch her in the net.
Smirking, Dagnir rose out of his kneeling position behind some bushes. Taking a deep breath, he made his way over to the left. Ducking under low hanging branches, slipping on wet leaves and splashing through the nightly dew covered grass, he nearly run to a huge oak tree.
Dagnir did no longer care if he was noisy or not. His time had come, and he would be damned if his prey escaped him.
Upon reaching the tree, he swiftly climbed into the higher branches, ignoring the bark that scraped along his palms, and the blood that flowed from little scratches in his skin. He had to hurry; soon, the ranger would have left the confines of the clearing, and then it would be too late.
Move, Dagnir, move! Come on, faster!
Climbing as fast as he could, he soon reached the branch he had wanted to reach, and sat down heavily on the thick wood. Grabbing the bow from his back and notching an arrow, he leaned forwards on the branch.
Opening a small gap in the sea of orange colored leaves before him and sending a shower of them to the ground, Dagnir gazed out to the clearing. The sun climbed up behind the mountains, slowly sneaking over the rocks, and sending their glory rays over the peaks. The snowy peaks glistered in the distance, and it reflected from a lake that lay high in the mountains.
But Dagnir paid no attention to the harmony of nature. His red glimmering eyes stared at the entrance of the clearing. It was empty still, but Dagnir knew that only too soon, a horse would appear in the gap. A horse, and a rider.
Come, come, little fly. The hungry spider is waiting. I will catch you. I will hurt you. And then I will kill you!
His hand shook slightly in anticipation, and another shower of leaves sailed to the already leave covered ground. A gust of wind rushed through the tree, and he felt the coldness of it on his face. Despite the sun, the air was fresh and frosty. Winter was approaching.
Then, suddenly, Dagnir narrowed his eyes. Had there been a shadow? There, behind the entrance? Was, finally, his prey coming?
Licking his lips and shifting on his branch, Dagnir gripped the bow tighter in his hand.
Wait, wait!
Breathing quicker, he stared out to the small clearing. At first, he saw nothing, but then, the sun came completely over the mountains, and the rays reflected on something silvery. It blinked and shone, and Dagnir knew that it was time.
He lifted his bow, pulled the string tight, and let his arrow fly high into the air. It whizzed and swooshed, but not like a normal arrow. While it sailed through the air, it emitted loud sounds, almost like singing. And it was loud enough for all of Dagnir's men to hear.
The arrow flew through the air, and then hit the ground many yards away. Stillness settled once more over the area. Nothing stirred, no sound reached his ears. Dagnir caught his breath. Had his men not heard his signal?
You bloody, stupid bastards! Come on, move you idiots. MOVE!
His eyes flicked here and there, from left to right, and his heart jumped in his chest.
You foolish, little sons of trolls…
But then, suddenly, his stomach flipped. Had that been…? Yes.
Yes, yes, yes, yes! Come on, quicker!
A rumbling filled the air. Then, a loud crack could be heard, and suddenly, a deafening crash came from the clearing.
And Dagnir's lips parted in an evil smile.
Yes.
--oOo--
Estel rode to the entrance at a leisurlyleisurely walk. He did not truly wish to leave this clearing, and his body told him in clear terms that it was still tired. But he knew that he needed to get going. He had already lost two days due to this strange flu, and he wanted to reach the ranger camp as soon as possible.
Still, it is so peaceful here. Perhaps I can come back with Dan, Ro and Legolas one day. We could hunt in the forest, and then spend the night here. This place is perfect as a hunting camp. Well, but I have to kill this annoying bird first.
Breathing in the fresh air deeply into his lungs to truly wake him up, he patted Thenidair on the neck. The horse seemed eager to be on their way again. It constantly swished its tail from one side to the other, and it had begun to twist its huge head nervously.
The sun reflected on Estel's sword and saddle, and for a short moment he had to close his eyes from the blinding light. Thenidair shivered under him, and then nickered highly.
"Sh, mellon. It's all right."
They rode on, and from one moment to the other, Estel felt the warm rays of the sun on his back. Closing his eyes for a second and sighing contently, he moved his neck and shoulders to loosen stiff muscles.
Suddenly, a loud whizzing and screeching filled the still air, and his eyes snapped open.
What was that?
His hand moved automatically to the hilt of his sword, and he gripped the reins tighter. Scanning the area before him, his eyes saw nothing. Stillness settled once more over the area. Frowning, he urged his horse on faster. Something was not right.
He felt uneasiness settle in his stomach, and his breathing quickened slightly. And then, he noticed the stillness. Not the quietness of morning, or the stillness of night, but rather…the calm before the storm.
Even the bird has stopped singing…
And then, his eyes caught some movement. Directly before him, on the other side of the entrance, stood a huge oak. Orange colored leaves sailed lazily to the ground.
Too many leaves. There is…someone sits in the tree!
Pressing his knees to his horse's side, he whispered, "Noro lim!"
Thenidair raced away, he needed no second command. As an elvish horse, he felt the urge of his master, and with a loud neighing, he pressed his hooves to the ground and sped to the entrance that yawned before them.
Grass flew in their wake, and they neared the hole in the rock walls. The stones came nearer and nearer with every moment. Only a short distance divided Estel and Thenidair from the other side of the clearing. Only a few more moments…
Suddenly, a rumbling filled the air, the earth seemed to shook and groan, shiver and tremble. Small pebbles tumbled to the ground before them, the rock walls cracked and growled as if a giant had hit them.
Estel snapped his head upwards. What he saw stole his breath away. The sky seemed to darken, the air vibrated and then, an earsplitting crash deafened him. A shock raced through his body, his hands loosened on the rein and within a split second he knew…that he would not make it.
Oh, Valar.
Just as he had reached the gap in the walls of stone, huge clumps of rock tumbled down from above. They crashed against the walls, shook the formation and crashed to the ground. A whole rockslide came falling down on Estel and his horse.
"Thenidair, noro lim! Saes!"
Frantically, Estel tried to urge his loyal steed forwards. Perhaps there was a chance, perhaps…. Whinnying frightened, the horse threw its head to the side, but instead of heeding its master's command and plea, it stemmed its hooves into the shaking ground, unwilling to move further.
A panicked scream flew from Estel's lips, "No, go! Go! Saes, saes!"
But the horse was scared and confused, it feared the noise. It felt the earth shake, it smelled the danger and heard the tumbling and crashing of countless rocks. It tossed and twisted and danced on the spot, but it would not move.
Estel tucked at the reins frantically, and then lifted his head upwards. His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly sent a prayer to the Valar.
The sky was gone, rocks filled his vision. Grey stone was everywhere. The first huge rock crashed to the ground before them, higher than a man and wider than a troll. More stones fell around him, making the earth tremble. The walls groaned, and then, suddenly, a rock hit Estel's right shoulder, and he felt himself slump forwards.
Another clump of stone hit his back hard, and he felt the air leave his lungs. Thenidair screamed under him and reared. Gripping the reins and holding to the horse tightly, Estel tried to stay in the saddle.
The next thing he saw was a sharp rock slamming into his horse's side. Blood gushed from a deep gash, and Thenidair screamed in pain and fear. More and more rocks hit the earth around them, and with the bigger ones came smaller pebbles, and the ground became slippery with gravel.
Another stone rolled down towards them, and Estel felt it crash into Thenidair's front leg. A shiver ran through the horse's body, and then, almost slowly, the proud horse slid to the side, and then fell heavily to the ground.
Estel gasped, and frantically shifted to jump from Thenidair's back. But he was not fast enough, and when a rock hit his side the moment the horse fell, he screamed in pain and fear.
Together they crashed to the hard earth, and Estel felt his horse land on top of him, effectively pinning him to the ground. A searing pain shot through his right knee, and he gasped in shock. Caught under his squirming and frightfully neighing steed, he lifted his head and gazed back up the stone wall.
All he could see was tumbling and flying rocks and debris, and then, suddenly, he caught sight of a thick boulder that came rolling directly into his direction. He held his breath, felt his body tremble and his eyes widened.
Then, the boulder came down, a sharp pain filled his chest, his head erupted in sheer agony,… and blissful darkness carried him away.
--oOo--
After only a few hours of rest, Elladan and Elrohir had set out once again, the horses feeling the tension of their riders. The steeds raced over the ground, their hooves sending showers of earth and leaves into the air.
Low hanging branches scratched at the twins' faces, the wind blew at them and let their hair fly behind them like a banner in a storm. Constantly they whispered words of thanks and encouragement into their horses' ears, and the steeds neighed and strode out faster.
A rush of adrenalin had caught the siblings, and they felt a wave of uneasiness crash over them. The night seemed darker than usual, the trees did not whisper, the earth was silent, and the stars could not comfort them. On and on they rode, but with every step that they got closer to their younger brother, they felt more worried.
Something was near, something huge and evil. It was almost like a black thundercloud that rose on the horizon; it slowly but surely made its way over the sky, covering the world with worry and fear. Where it touched, darkness descended, and the world grew cold and silent.
Elrohir, as the more sensible of the twins, had felt the shiver first, and soon Elladan felt it as well. They had not inherited the gift of foresight from their father, but they had the ability to feel danger for the ones they loved the most. And in this night, they both felt that it was Estel, who was in danger. They no longer doubted this.
They could not feel their brother right now, but whether that was good or not, they did not know. Not feeling Estel could be good, as it meant that he was well. But on the other hand, it could mean that he was already dead.
But the twins did not believe that, could not believe that. There was still a chance that Estel was alive, and they would reach him in time. Had they not always come in time? Had they not always been able to rescue him out of one peril or the other? Had there not always been enough time?
This time would be no different. It could not be different.
Slowly, the sun rose over the horizon, burning the treetops in a soft pink and lilac. The shadows of the night crawled back into their hiding places, and the forest awoke to life. Rabbits came out of their holes, and two squirrels bathed in the sunny rays.
But the twins did not stop, or notice. Bend low over their horses' necks, they rushed through the forest, scaring the birds and beasts. The trees seemed to jump out of their path, the bushes bend their branches out of their way, and the woods grew silent while they passed.
Higher and higher the sun ascended, and soon the golden rays filled the forest with light. And with the sun coming out from behind the Misty Mountains, a jolting pain erupted in Elrohir's stomach.
He gasped, and gripped the reins of his horse tightly. Closing his eyes, he pressed a hand to his stomach.
Oh no, please no. Not yet, not now.
Elrohir had felt this only once before, when his mother had been waylaid by orcs on the Redhorn Path. He knew that it was no illness that plagued him, nor the poison. No, this feeling was different. And it immediately scared him to the bones. His heart seemed to be crushed by an icy fist, his breathing caught in his throat, and he felt his chest burn.
Please Valar, no, no.
He shook his head from side to side. This could not be happening. Not yet. They were so near, so near. They had ridden so fast through the night, and they could almost see the slopes of the mountains. If they kept up their pace and the little rests, they would reach the mountains the next morning. This could not happen. Not yet.
"Ro?"
Elladan had sensed his brother's pain. His own stomach felt uneasy, and he felt it flip and churn with every step the horse took. But he could not feel the pain his brother felt, at least not as strong.
"Ro?"
Elladan's voice was tense with worry. Elrohir's face was white, his eyes tightly closed, and Elladan could see that one of his hands gripped the reins so hard that the knuckles shone white. The other was pressed tightly over the stomach.
He did not know what was happening to his twin, but he felt that something horrible must have happened to make his brother act like that.
Estel…
Slowing his horse, he reached over and gripped the reins of Elrohir's steed in his own hand. Tucking at them slightly and whispering for the horse to stop, he slowed them both down to a trot.
Suddenly, Elrohir's eyes snapped open, and his gaze fixed on his brother. His lips were pale and cold sweat stood on his brow. But where the face was nearly white, the eyes were burning with emotions. Worry and fear stood in them, as well as pain and determination.
He took a deep breath, and then shook his head.
"No, Dan. We must not stop. Not now. Saes, Dan."
Elladan watched his brother for a long moment, neither of them blinking or averting their eyes. Never had Elladan seen his brother agitated…and scared. Perhaps only once, when their mother had been captured…
Then, he swallowed and nodded. Taking his hand away from the reins of Elrohir's horse, he let his own steed stride out faster again. If his brother told him not to stop, he would not. And if Elrohir felt that Estel was in danger, then he would not ignore that.
So, the two raced on through the forest, ducking under low hanging branches, jumping over fallen trunks, and wading through icy streams. They could not stop, and they would not. Their brother's life hung in the balance, and they had promised their father to bring Estel back.
And they had vowed to themselves that they would find their brother and take him home.
Leaning forwards in his saddle and whispering to his horse, Elrohir took a deep breath to calm his senses and to will the pain in his stomach to subside.
Oh saes, don't let us be too late.
--oOo--
Stopping his horse, Legolas let his keen gaze travel over the way before him, and then the mountains far beyond. The air had become still, now that the rumbling was gone.
Strange…maybe an earthquake? Or a rockslide? Mh, it must have happened far down, some leagues away. I see neither dust nor falling rocks.
It had started as a low grumbling in the north. The mountains had shivered and shaken, and then the air had trembled and grumbled. To his straining ears, it had sounded as if there were masses of stone tumbling down the mountain's slopes. The tinkling and rolling of the smaller rocks, accompanied by the crashing and crushing of the bigger ones.
But, Legolas had not been near enough to be sure, and even now, he was not certain whether he had maybe imagined the sounds of falling rocks. Rockslides were not unusual in the Misty Mountains. The rain and the wind eroded the stones, and the fog and the water made the smaller pebbles slip on the wet ground. With the coming of winter, the water in the higher regions froze, and where it had flowed into crevices and cracks, the frozen water would crack the stones. No, truly, rockslides were quite common here.
But so far down the mountain? Yes, it was cold yesterday night, but not so cold as to cause a rockslide…
Narrowing his eyes and gazing into the distance, he tried to see some sign of the slide, but he could see nothing. Sighing, he absent-mindedly played with the mane of his horse. For long moments he sat there, staring to the north, and thinking.
Then, with a resolute pat on his steed's neck, he gripped the reins and steered his horse around. It neighed confused. It trusted its rider, but this was strange.
"We are heading to the north, mellon nin. We go to the north. Noro lim, mellon nin, noro lim."
And with that, the two sped down the mountain, heading to the north in the direction the rumbling and rolling had come from.
It seems the question whether to head to Imladris or the North has just been answered for me. Whatever this was, it was nothing good, of that I am sure.
His blond hair trailed behind him as he rushed over stone and rocks, pebbles and gravel. Had Legolas taken more time to locate his position, he would have noticed that, indeed, the decision where to go had been taken for him long before.
Unconsciously, he had ridden farther to the north than he had intended, and therefore he had followed Estel for the last one and a half days already. And in the course of the same time, one and a half day, he would reach the place of the rockslide.
End of chapter 11
Tbc…
Hy! Well, what do you think? Do you like it? Finally, the evil has found Estel and captured him, or...killed him? eg. I am a bit nervous about this chapter, so tell me what you think, please? Please, please, please?
You know, this is the first story of mine, with which I could reach the 100 reviews...so, the tiny little button on the left side of the page begs to be used. hint hint. Hope you had fun reading, and the next chapter comes asap. Promise!
