A/N: Thanks for all the great reviews; I enjoy reading each and everyone. Thank you.

Disclaimer: As previously stated, this is Tolkien's world. All original plots and characters, with the exception of Cilinwё, who belongs to my beta, Ravenswing, belong to me. Sadly, I do not profit from my efforts.

Previously:

He turned to look for Estel and saw the horseman who had lost the boy had turned back and was coming for his charge.

No longer engaged in combat Legolas saw his chance to help the child and started running towards the lad, just as he started closing the gap between them the man caught up with his little friend.

The blonde haired elf sucked in a gasp as the man reached down and grabbed the little one, hoisting in him onto the saddle, and sitting the boy in front of him. Estel cried out in pain as the man's hold squeezed his damaged arm.

"I am sorry little one, I have no choice," said Raun.

The blonde elf heard the agony in the twin's voice as he cried out, "Estel! No, let him go!"

Chapter 14—Estel's Pain

Tears streaked down Estel's face, as the trees moved by. His gwador's cries became faint as the men rode away. The little boy cried. He cried for himself, he cried for his family and he cried in fear of those around him. He just wanted to go home.

"Ro!" he called once last time.

The images of his father falling, lying, not moving and Elrohir battling orcs as the men fled, flashed in his mind. He did not know if his father and brother still lived. If they had died, who would come for him?

"Ada, please…," Estel whispered.

Deep in his heart Estel was sure his father still lived and had heard him. His Ada would come for him; he would not leave him with these mean men.

Raun was in physical pain. It streaked down his body, from the arrow embedded in his back, he could feel the blood course down his spine, staining his tunic. Though the wound was not life threatening, it was excruciating.

He was also in psychological pain. He was hurt from hearing the little boy in front of him, cry for his father. He truly did not wish to harm the little one.

Raun regretted the decisions that brought the two of them to this place. There was nothing he could do. He owed Díhael so much, the very life of his own son, the last of his family.

"I am sorry little one."

Raun looked down and saw Estel swaying in the saddle, shoulders drooping and his chin nearly touching his chest. He reached out, leaned the child's head on his chest and secured his hold on the boy. Estel jerked awake and pulled away he did not want the man to touch him.

"Please Estel, your struggles hurt me, and I may drop you."

Estel considered the situation, he did not want the man to touch him but he did not want to fall. After making his decision, he made no comment and just laid his head on Raun's chest and promptly fell asleep.

Raun frowned; he did not want the child to fear him. But he had more pressing issues and turned his thoughts to the problems that confronted them. He could not change anything that had already happened, and thought it best to concentrate on the things he could change.

First, their wounds needed to be cared for. His arrow wound, throbbed and needed to be treated but he was more concerned for Estel. When he fell off the horse, he was sure the boy had broken his arm, not to mention the cuts and bruises that adorned his body.

Unfortunately the need for distance was greater. They had to put a gap between them and their enemies, be it orc or elf. They could not afford to stop, so their wounds would have to wait.

Finally his thought turned to Estel's safety. The boy would be in danger if anything happened to him. Jobel and his cronies wanted to harm the lad. Raun had to protect the child and take him to Dírhael.

He looked over at Jobel and found him staring evilly at the lad. He grinned at Raun, and turned away, making no attempt to hide his feelings for the boy. He must make it back to camp or Estel would not.

As Jobel turned away his thoughts were still on the elf brat and how he would hurt him. He had not forgotten the pain the urchin had caused him. He would hurt the child. Finally he would hurt an elf, just as he was hurt.

His thoughts drifted back in time, to a place where his heart was not filled with evil, to days when he was like most other children, when he would run and play and laugh. To a childhood that was robbed from him."

His mother and father had been blissful and expecting another baby. Everything had seemed joyful until that inauspicious moment, until the fateful day when everything changed.

His mother had gone into labor early and their home became a hive of activity. The healers arrived and Jobel was sent outside and ignored. He was left to wonder and worry.

His mother's screams filled their home and rang in his young ears. The labor was not progressing, and both were in danger. The healers whispered that his mother and the baby could die. They were unsure what do. Over the fire, the decision was made to ask the elves. It was said if anyone could help, the elves could.

Silence now filled the air as his mother's screams stopped and the silence was deafening. It was whispered, his mother was weakening. If help did not arrive soon she would die.

Two riders came out of the darkness, the messenger and a second, unknown rider. Both dismounted their horses, approached the healers and words were exchanged. They quickly talked to his father before heading to the house. Just before entering the house, the stranger's hood fell away and Jobel saw it was an elf. An elf had come, and he would save his mother.

Time passed slowly and still the silence remained. For the longest time no word came. Finally a healer slowly emerged from the house and approached his father. The man gently grasped his father's shoulders and soft words were spoken. This father fell to his knees and the silence was broken by his father's screams.

A short time later the elf left the house and knelt next to his father. Again the soft words the boy could not here. The elf stood, walked towards his horse and left. Where was he going? The elf must save his mother.

The adults comforted his grief stricken father, and no paid attention to a confused little boy. No one bothered to explain to Jobel that his life had been changed forever.

They buried his mother and the unborn baby. Time passed, and Jobel found himself alone as his father slipped away into depression. Unable to deal with the loss, his father numbed the pain with ale. When it finally became too much to bear he would take it out on Jobel, the walking reminder of all that he had lost.

In Jobel's view his life had spun out of control the night his mother died. The night the elf failed. It was that wretched elf's fault; he should have saved his mother! He could have saved her, if he wanted too!

Jobel's thoughts shifted back to the present and back to the elf that rode with them. His eyes stole over to the boy and his thoughts flowed to what he wanted to do. He would hurt the wretched elf. He would find a chance to exact his revenge.

Hours passed and the riders continued their silent journey. The only thing heard was the slow footfalls of the tired horses. The weary horses' heads dipped towards the ground and their tails were still. The riders' shoulders slumped in exhaustion and they swayed in their seats. They must stop or risk injury, when someone fell from the saddle.

Raun slowly checked the horizon for a place to rest. His gaze fell upon a stand of sturdy oak trees, surrounded by rolling grass, with a lazy creek snaking through it. The place looked perfect.

They could feed and water the horses, fill their water skins and tend their wounds. The trees would protect them from the elements and provide them with cover from any enemies, who may be following.

Calling out, Raun said, "The stand of trees, let us rest there."

All the heads came up, and the riders turned their horses towards them.

Upon reaching their resting spot, the men nearly fell from their horses. Raun looked down at the small head laying peacefully against his chest, immersed in dreams. He truly hated to wake the little one and take him from his reverie

Sighing Raun touched the soft, dark curls and called softly, "Estel, wake up, little one."

For a moment Estel forgot where he was and thought he was sleeping in his bed, in his room, at home. As he slowly opened his eyes the illusion was broken and he was rudely brought back to reality. Silver eyes slowly met compassion filled chocolate brown ones. Raun wished to right things between them, for his safety the little one needed to trust him.

Estel could sense the kindness in Raun. The man wished to help him and he realized that he really had no choice. If he did not trust the man what would happen to him, even he could see that Jobel meant him harm.

Groaning, Raun slowly climbed down from his mount. He leaned against the horse to steady himself, took a steadying breath and reached up for the child.

Grasping him under the shoulders, Raun told the boy, "Let me help you down."

He lifted Estel from the saddle and placed him on the ground. "There you go little one."

"Thank you," the boy whispered, staying close to the horse's side.

Watching, Estel stood by his side and said nothing. Grunting from the effort Raun reached up, pulled the bags from the saddle and sat the bags on the ground. He then took hold of the empty water skins, taking them from the saddle. He tried to hold the water skins, pick up the saddlebag and put it across his uninjured shoulder.

As he shouldered the bag, white pain flashed from his shoulder and he dropped the water skins. Seeing the man was in pain Estel reluctantly picked up the skins and looked at the man.

"Thank you," replied Raun.

Picking up the reins Raun led the horse to the creek and allowed him to drink. He watched as the little one knelt on the creek side. He dipped the water skins into the creek, filling them with cold, clear water and sat them at the creek's edge.

Standing next to the man, and taking the horse's reins from his hand, Estel explained, "They are too heavy for me but I can lead the horse."

Nodding his thanks Raun picked up the water skins and led the little group from the creek. Too tired to remove the saddle, they staked out the horse to eat, moved over to a nearby tree and sat down under its canopy.

Raun knew he needed to remove the arrow from his back before he could treat Estel, a task he would not trust to anyone else.

"Tommas, can you help me," Raun called out to a young man traveling with them. The other man had not joined in tormenting Estel, although he had not defended him either.

Joining them the youth asked, "Yes?"

"Can you pull the arrow out for me?"

"Aye," replied Tommas, as he walked behind Raun.

"Estel?"

Resting against the tree, the little one opened his eyes and questioningly looked at Raun.

Answering Raun asked, "Will you assist me too?" He would not force the boy; if necessary they could take care of it.

Estel shrugged his shoulders but stood and approached the man. Raun took this to mean he would help, looked into his bags, found the necessary items and explained what he needed.

"Tommas will pull the arrow out, if I give you the herbs, will you put them on the wound and cover it with a bandage?"

Nodding, Estel took the herbs, including yarrow, and moved behind the injured man.

"Ready?' asked Tommas.

Raun took a steadying breath, as both nodded their heads. Tommas grasped the arrow shaft and pulled. Raun moaned, as in one swift movement the arrow was removed. Tommas took a knife and cut the shirt away from the wound. Once he finished, Estel quickly moved in and applied the herbs and bandage. He held it there and waited further instructions.

After his head cleared, Raun picked up a longer bandage and with the young one's assistance, wound it around his shoulder. Tommas took both ends and tied it off.

After the pain in shoulder subsided, Raun thanked Tommas, who then returned to his own tasks.

"Come here little one," gesturing to a spot next to him, Raun continued, "I will see to your arm."

Estel flinched, he did not want the man to heal his arm, he wanted his Ada to heal it.

Clenching his arm to his side, Estel replied, "I am fine."

Realizing the boy was lying to him, Raun frowned. He had to see to the arm, Estel could be crippled if it was not set.

Looking at Estel with pleading eyes, Raun continued, "Please little one."

Tears filling his eyes, the boy cried, "No, I want my Ada to fix it."

Reaching towards the boy, shaking his head sadly Raun told him, "I am sorry little one, he can not help you right now."

Breaking down Estel dashed into the waiting arms, Raun gasped in pain as the boy bumped into him. The child allowed the tears to fall, as sobs wracked his body. He wanted his Ada! Rubbing slow circles across Estel's back, the man tried to control his own pain, while he comforted the boy. Eventually sniffles replaced sobs as the lad calmed down.

Setting the boy in his lap, Raun looked down at him, "I must set your broken arm."

Wiping the tears from his face with his good hand, Estel just nodded he understood. He did not have the energy or desire to argue. With the child in his lap, Raun looked around for the appropriate branch. Pointing at it, he asked, "will you get that branch?'

Without comment Estel stood and retrieved the requested item, sat back down in the man's lap and gave him the branch.

While taking some bandages from the saddlebags Raun informed the little boy, "I am going to set your arm, splint it with the branch and wrap it up with the bandages."

Turning Estel so he could look into his eyes Raun told him, "It is going to hurt, when I set your arm. I do not wish to cause you pain."

Apprehensively Estel said, "I understand."

The child sat in the man's lap, leaning against him. Raun gently rolled up the boy's sleeve and felt the left arm for a break. He flinched and tried to pull away as Raun fingered the break, between the wrist and elbow, in the lower arm. He was relieved; it felt to be a clean break.

Grasping the arm, on either side of the break, he asked, "Ready?"

Taking a deep breath, Estel closed his eyes and nodded. Raun pulled, causing the little boy to scream, he kept pulling until he felt the bone realign. Tears streaked down the child's face and breath came in shuddering gasps but he did not cry out again.

Raun took the branch, splinted the arm and secured it with bandages. He removed his coat from his pack and draped it across the boy's shoulders. For a minute he just sat and held the hurting child.

As the shuddering stopped he picked Estel out of his lap and sat him against a tree. The child leaned back against the tree, sat down, and crossed his legs, while cradling his injured arm close to him.

He could see the pain the child was in and said, "Shall we build a fire and make tea to ease our pain?"

"Yes, please."

"Then we must have some firewood," said Raun as he slowly started to stand.

Estel stopped him saying, "I can help."

Concerned with the lad's safety Raun continued, "Remember what I said about Jobel's desire to hurt you, and stay within sight."

Desiring some freedom, Estel said, "I will not leave your sight, I promise."

"Just pick up some small branches or twigs, for tinder," Raun told Estel.

Both stood, stretched, and started looking for wood. Estel would keep to his word and not go far; he clearly remembered the awful man. Walking along, he stopped occasionally, picking up sticks, he looked back and saw Raun, piling up firewood near camp, watching him; he smiled and turned back to his task.

His course took him a distance away and near one the larger trees, he was unable to see what or rather who hid behind it. Jobel awaited the little boy, with bated breath. He would get his chance with the child and he would pay.

Just as Jobel reached out to grab his prey and pull him behind the tree, Raun called out, "Estel that is enough wood, come back."

Damn! Jobel cursed the other man. He smiled remembering Raun's wound and knew the other man would have to sleep sometime and he would be ready. Jobel looked out from his hiding spot, saw the back of the boy as he walked away. He grinned wickedly, he would bide his time. Turning the evil man walked the other way, out of sight.

Returning to Raun, Estel dropped the twigs and sticks to the ground and sat down.

"Thank you again, child."

"Ta nae seasamin," replied Estel, before remembering and clarifying, "It is my pleasure."

Estel watched as Raun prepared the wood, took out the flint stone, struck the stone, creating sparks, that lit the tinder, and in a few minutes they had a fire. The boy relaxed in front of it and watched the other prepare the tea.

Raun poured some water into a small pan and sat it near the fire to warm. As it heated he took the herbs and started mixing them together, he included Pasque Flower, Iris and Common Comfrey, which should help each of their wounds. He divided the herbs into each mug and added the warmed water. After adding a touch of honey, to help with the taste, he handed the mug to Estel.

Encouraging the boy, Raun said, "Drink up, it will help." By way of example, he took a sip and looked at the child, hoping he would do the same.

Watching the man, Estel was reassured when he drank the mixture. Although he wanted to trust the man, the child still had his reservations and was afraid Raun would try and poison him. Estel took a small sip of tea, and was mildly surprised, it was good.

The two sat quietly, neither had the strength or desire to speak, drinking their tea and waited for the herbs to take effect. After a short time the boy's body betrayed him and he became sleepy. Deciding a nap would be good, Estel lay down and curled up and promptly fell asleep.

Smiling at the sight of the small one sleeping, Raun leaned back against the tree to rest, for he dared not sleep. The sight of Estel sleeping reminded him of his own son. How he missed the youngster.

Soon he would be reunited with him. His thoughts returned to happier times with both of his sons and his wife. A small grin on his face, Raun's eyelids began to droop. A few minutes later, he fell asleep, a snore escaping.

He did not know they were being observed. A shadow in the trees watched and waited, looking for his opportunity. He did not have to wait long; slumber soon claimed those he studied. He silently crept from the trees, closing in on his quarry. He moved around Raun careful not to wake him. Soon he stood over his victim, a grin spread across his face.

He reached down and grabbed Estel, covering his mouth before he could scream. Terror filled eyes opened and looked onto his nightmare. He started kicking, struggling trying to get away.

Nodding his head towards Raun, Jobel said "Keep fighting elfie and I will kill him," as he tried to hold the struggling child.

Terror stricken, Estel's struggles quieted and his captor carried him away, away from the only safety he had left. Tears formed in his silver eyes and flowed down dirty cheeks. He pleaded silently, someone help!