The ride with the elves was unremarkable. Amayla had just made the same trip with her dwarves and the small elven patrol, being with the larger elven patrol was not much different. Some of the elves accepted her and others barely contained their distain. She, frankly, could not have cared less.
They met their first orc group in essentially the same place as the group they had taken care of on the way to Erebor. The size of the group was similar to that first attack and the results were the same. Amayla said her good-byes to Tauriel as her orders were to stay and patrol the southern border of Mirkwood, while Amayla rode on with the second group from the Woodland Realm and the group of elves from Lothlorien. More elves joined them and they continued their journey south to Rohan, meeting and joining a group of the Rohirrim. They encountered only one more small group of orcs, destroying them all, before reaching Edoras, the capitol city of Rohan.
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Amayla was excited to finally reach Edoras. After joining up with the men of Rohan, she learned that the crown princess was none other than Sigrid, Bard's daughter and Amayla was anxious to talk to an old friend. Some of the elves tolerated her while the men of Rohan were beyond appalled to have not only a dwarf in their midst, but a female one at that. So, for Amayla, a chance to speak to a female friend held great appeal.
After stabling Mist, Amayla made her way to the court, where she requested a meeting with Sigrid. The guards did not want to let pass, yet Amayla persisted, insisting that Sigrid would not be pleased if they kept her out. Finally, they let the dam approach the royals sitting on their throne in the court. When her name was announced, Sigrid stood, not believing her ears nor her eyes when they fell upon Amayla. Before she could say a word, Sigrid crumpled to the ground.
There were screams all around as the royals rushed to Sigrid's body. Amayla too tried to run forward, but was grabbed from behind, her arms held tight. Somebody yelled "Witch" and pointed at Amayla. King Fengel ordered her to be taken to the dungeons as his son, Thengel, carried his wife to their chambers. Amayla struggled against her restrainers, managing to loosen the grip of one of them as her boot connected with his shin. But as she turned to strike, a fist slammed into her face. It was the last thing she saw before waking in a cell.
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The cell was not quite as bad as the ones in Thranduil's halls as this one at least had a window where some light could shine in. However, when she was a prisoner of Thranduil she had the rest of the company with her, here she had no one. She wasn't even certain if the elves she traveled with would stand up for her. She only hoped that Sigrid was alright and would have her released.
She waited several hours with no word from a soul. No guards came by to check on her, no offer of food or water. She simply had to sit on the floor and wait. The cut on her cheek had stopped bleeding but Amayla was afraid to fall asleep as she was afraid that her blood would attract rats. The thought of rats crawling on her, nibbling on her face, was enough to prevent even a short nap. So, the sound of feet coming down the hall and stopping outside her cell, filled her with hope. When the door opened, she was shocked at who was standing there.
"Amayla? Is is you! I am pleased to find you alive!" came a familiar voice.
"Strider? Is that you?" she asked, scrambling to her feet.
"Aye, but here I am known as Thorongil."
"Alright Thorongil," she said testing the name out on her tongue, "I don't care what your name is, as long as you're getting me out of here."
"Well, unfortunately, I don't have that power yet. I heard some men talking about a female dwarf being held and had to work hard just to get a visit. What are you doing here?"
"I am with the forces of Thranduil, helping patrol for orcs, at the request of Rohan," she spat out angrily. "We arrived early this morning, and I came to visit Princess Sigrid since we are old acquaintences. I assume that she hadn't gotten word that I was alive, which is why she fainted upon seeing me. And the rest, as they say, is history. Can you help me out please? At least get me some water to wash away the blood on my face."
"Are you injured?"
"Just a small cut from what ever guard was brave enough to punch me while my arms were held behind my back. I would prefer it not getting infected it though."
"Of course. I'll see what I can do."
"And please let Sigrid know I'm here and that I apologize for startling her. That was not my intention."
"From what I have seen of the Princess, she is very kind. Don't worry, Amayla, I'll get you out of here and then we can talk. I'm anxious to hear how you are alive as I was shocked to see you too."
"And I'll tell you everything as soon as I get out!"
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After Thorongil left, Amayla slowly slid down the cell wall and wrapped her arms around her knees. Unfortunately, the window that provided the light was also letting in the cool, evening air and Amayla was starting to get cold. She also really needed to relieve herself, but since there wasn't even a bucket in the cell, she was trying to hold out as long as possible.
Finally, Amayla heard the sounds of multiple feet heading her way. This time when the cell door opened, it was another familiar face, a familiar female face.
"Amayla!" Sigrid yelled as she rushed to help Amayla stand up.
The two hugged and Sigrid immediately began rambling her apologies, until she got a good look at Amayla's face.
"You're hurt, and bleeding!" Turning to the guards, "Why wasn't her wound treated and how did she even get this! I will have answers!" Turning back to Amayla, she wrapped an arm around the dam and began marching out of the cell, "Come with me. We're going straight to the healers."
"Are you alright Sigrid?" Amayla managed to ask between all of the Princess' apologies and threats to the guards.
"I'm fine. I was just startled. Its not every day that you see a ghost. Nobody told me you were alive Amayla! Where were you? I want to hear everything!"
"And I will happily tell you Sigrid, but first, can you get me to someplace to relieve myself. I really need to go!"
Sigrid looked down at the dam and laughed and then frowned, "Oh, of course Amayla, and again, I'm so sorry. You should never have been treated like that. The healing rooms are just down here, and you can go in there."
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Sigrid took care of Amayla's wound herself, cleaning it out, wiping away the blood and covering it with a healing salve. "There, and I don't think you'll even get a scar," the princess said when finished. "Now come with me to my quarters, where you can get a bath and we can talk."
"Thank you, your majesty," Amayla said, winking at her old friend.
Sigrid led Amayla to her quarters and ordered a bath to be drawn for Amayla while her clothes were sent to the laundry. Amayla would have like to have soaked for hours, but knew that Sigrid was waiting for her so that they could chat, so she cleaned herself quickly, toweled off, and put on a robe that had been left for her.
There was an array of food laid out on a table and Sigrid signaled for her to sit and help herself.
"This is delicious! I am so tired of lembas bread. Aren't you eating?" Amayla asked as she stuffed some food into her mouth.
"I'm not really that hungry. I'm sticking mostly to bread right now. Nothing else tastes good."
Amayla eyed Sigrid suspiciously and then smiled. Sigrid had been holding back a smile but then let it burst, lighting up her face.
"You're pregnant?" Amayla nearly shouted.
Sigrid nodded as Amayla rushed over and gave her another hug.
"No wonder everyone was so worried when you fainted!"
"Aye. Everyone has been a little overprotective of me since we made the announcement. That's why we're here in Edoras. We had been in Gondor for the past year. Thengel's mother's family lives there and is so nice. But Fengel, the king, wanted the baby, his heir, to be born in Rohan. So we had to come back."
"Does your father know? I imagine he is thrilled."
"Aye, Da is. He and Tilde are planning on coming to be here when the baby is born. I can't wait to see them!"
"So tell me, how did you and Thengel come to be married?"
Sigrid smiled and explained, "Da had ordered some horses from Rohan. He wanted some for an army and others for farming and helping in rebuilding. And of course, there was a treaty to be negotiated with Rohan. Thengel came with the delegation, and he claims that it was love at first sight."
"Was it? For you too?"
"Well for me, it was more like love at third sight. I was too worried about hosting the delegation and making certain that everything was in order, to concern myself over the handsome young prince who showed up. It wasn't until I could relax after the treaty ceremony was over that I actually let myself really look at Thengel. There was dancing after the dinner and he swept me off my feet," she giggled.
"Awe, so sweet," Amayla smirked at Sigrid.
Sigrid stuck her tongue out at Amayla.
"Well that's not very princess-like of you!" she laughed. "But seriously, Sigrid, I'm very happy for you."
"Now that you know my story, I want to hear yours. We were told that you had fallen during the battle. What happened to you?"
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Amayla told her story as the princess soaked up every word.
"Wow. Hard to believe that King Thrandruil could be that nice. He always kind of frightened me. He seems so cold."
"Aye, I think he prefers for everyone to think that way. But there is kindness in him."
"So now you ride with the elven patrols. How long will you be here?"
"There is a caravan coming from my home in Ered Luin. I will stay with the patrols until it arrives and then accompany it back to Erebor."
"Can I send you back with letters for my family?"
"It will be my pleasure, Sigrid."
Sigrid insisted that Amayla spend the night in her guest quarters as the laundry was not yet done with the dam's clothes. "You can meet Thengel and the King in the morning before going back with your patrol. I'll have a messenger let them know."
In the morning, Amayla's clothes were waiting for her and she joined the royal family for breakfast. Thengel was pleased to meet a friend of his wife's and Amayla found him charming. King Fengel, on the other hand, seemed more interested in how much gold Thorin had in Erebor. When Amayla could shed little light on the subject, he seemed to ready to dismiss her. Thengel, however, insisted on hearing more about her experiences with orcs.
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After breakfast, Amayla rejoined the elven patrols. She was pleasantly surprised to see Thonogil sitting in with Lindir and Telhurmion, the leader of her patrol from the Woodland Realm. Thorongil rose as she approached, and gave her a hug. "It is good to see you released, Amayla," he said.
"Aye, it was good to be released. Princess Sigrid came and got me and I spent the evening with her. I had breakfast with the royal family before coming back."
"You are acquainted with the royal family of Rohan, Mirkwood, and Erebor, Amayla?" Lindir questioned.
"Aye," Amayla answered simply.
"And do not forget Lord Elrond, Lord Glorfindel and Lady Galadriel," Thorongil added to make a point.
Amayla smiled, "That reminds me, don't let me forget to tell you the story of Captain Tauriel and me sparring against Glorfindel, Thonogil. But for now, I want to see to my horse. When do we ride out, Telhurmion?"
"Sometime this afternoon, when the Rohan patrol returns."
"Very good. I'll be ready."
Thorongil added in quickly, "I won't let you forget, and you have to tell me about the battle for Erebor too!"
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Amayla patrolled around Rohan with the elves over the next several weeks. When they had breaks at the same time, she often trained with Thorongil, finally getting used to calling him by that name. She told him all the stories of the battle for Erebor and her injuries as well as everything she had done over the past five years. He caught her up on stories of Elrohir and Elladan and of Legoas joining their patrols in the north. She occasionally ate with Sigrid but only in private as Amayla's dislike of Fengel was not well hidden. Amayla would have felt more guilty about it if Sigrid hadn't confided that she very much enjoyed eating with Amayla in private for the very same reason.
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Finally, as summer began to blaze hot on the plains, a scout reported spotting the dwarven caravan. Thrilled that she was out on patrol and not back in Rohan, Amayla urged Mist forward with the rest of the Elven warriors right with her.
They came upon the caravan stopped with three elves at the front. Amayla immediately spotted Bladurg talking to one of the elves. Two dwarven guards, neither of them from Gorvuud, stood next to his wagon. As she got closer, she could tell that the conversation between the dwarves and elves was not pleasant, and she spurred Mist into a full run until she was close enough to cry out, "Hail Bladurg! Hail dwarves of Gorvuud!"
Her shout caught the attention of all in the front of the caravan and they all turned to watch the dwarf approach at speed, followed by more than a dozen elves. She quickly dismounted, brushed aside the dwarven guards whom she did not know, and climbed the wagon to greet Bladurg.
"Amayla! Lass! How is it possible that you are here?" the old dwarf exclaimed as she smiled and pulled him into a head bump.
"Did you really think that I would let my people enter hostile territory without proper escort?" she answered.
"But we are in Rohan. It is not hostile. Why did these elves stop us?" Bladurg asked in Khuzdul while glaring at the elves.
"These elves are your escort," Amayla responded in the common tongue for all to hear. "They are my companions. We have been on the look-out for you for several weeks."
"Captain Amayla!" Two dwarven guards rode up to join the conversation.
"Gorum! Horum! Good to see you two!" Amayla returned their greeting.
"Enough of this!" one of the two guards yelled to be noticed. "I am in charge here. I will know what is going on! Just who are you?" he asked of Amayla.
Before she could answer, Bladurg spoke up on her behalf, "This is Amayla, daughter of Ardru, Captain and Commander of Gorvuud. And you will watch your tone around her laddie."
Amayla bowed her head slightly to the dwarf, never lowering her eyes.
The second dwarf had the good graces to look uncomfortable in the situation, completely understanding who she was. The first dwarf, however, raised his face and sneered at Amayla. "I am Captain Margad, leader of the caravan, designated by General Kovlar himself, and I do not believe that we need any elvish assistance in reaching Erebor. If I remember correctly, you were stripped of your rank and banished from Ered Luin, am I not correct?"
Bladurg growled, while Gorum and Horum moved their hands to their weapons. Amayla merely chuckled, "Kovlar holds no rank over me. His words hold as much import to me as a snowflake falling on a bonfire. Now tell me, how many guards have you?"
Margad looked at Amayla with distain, "I do not answer to you!"
Amayla calmly turned to the two Gorvuud soldiers, "How many guards have you?"
Gorum answered without pausing, "We two, Margad and Vint there."
Amayla was shocked, turning back to Margad, her voice cold, "Kovlar sent my people - dams, dwarflings and infants - across Middle Earth with only four guards?!"
"We have not had any trouble," Margad snapped back.
"Well then you were lucky, Mahal be thanked for that. But your luck is over." She turned to talk to Bladurg, Gorum, and Horum. "Rohan and southern Mirkwood has been seeing greatly increased orc activity. You are about to travel through the worst of it. We will go to Rohan where the caravan can rest and restock and I'll arrange for an escort for us the rest of the way."
"We will do no such thing! I am in charge of this caravan and I say that we will continue on directly to Erebor," Margad insisted.
"I do not have the patience to deal with this!" Amayla said through clenched teeth. "But to make this fair and so that you will understand, why don't we ask the heads of all the families on the caravan and let them choose who will lead them from here?"
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Amayla was conversent enough in elvish to let her companions know that they would be back in a few minutes. One of the elves tied Mist to Bladurg's wagon and she rode with him to the heart of the caravan. There were cheers and waves as Amayla approached.
Margad then spoke up explaining that it was his intention to continue directly to Erebor without any assistance from elves. When he finished, Amayla stood up to talk, "Dwarves of Gorvuud and friends from Ered Luin, I take it as my solemn duty to make certain that this caravan reaches Erebor safetly. I am happy to report that the earlier group is already under the mountain without the loss of a single dwarf, in fact, with the addition of one dwarf. Moga had a small accident and went into labor, but with the assistance of a healer from Mirkwood, was safely delivered of a small, but healthy lad. The family is now in Erebor. It is my intention to lead you there also. I am pleased that you met no difficulties so far, but must inform you that there is an increased orc threat in front of you. That is why I came to meet you. King Thranduil was kind enough to let me patrol with his elves and I will make certain that we have enough soldiers to safely journey on. Believe me, five dwarves are not enough. I know it is hard on many of you to trust an elf; but if you can't trust an elf, just trust me. They will protect us. I believe the best course of action is to make for the capitol city of Edoras, rest and restock, and then proceed to Mirkwood. We should be safe once there and then it is just a short trip to Erebor. But the decision is yours. Your can either continue on your way with Margad as your leader. And I will join you. Or follow my plan, with elvish and human assistance."
It took the dwarves in the caravan mere seconds to start yelling "Captain Amayla, Captain Amayla!"
Amayla turned to Margad, saying simply, "I believe they have made their decision. I hope you have no hard feelings and will continue with us to Erebor. We will need every warrior."
Margad bowed his head to Amayla and she headed to untie Mist and mounted up. Her patrol of elves took up positions around the caravan and escorted them to Edoras.
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They reached the city in the fading light of a summer evening and were allowed inside the gates and directed to an area at the base of the hill leading to the Golden Hall of Meduseld. As soon as her people were settled, Amayla asked Margad to go with her to meet with King Fengel.
"You want me to go with you?" Margad asked incredulously.
"Of course. You led the people this far. You should talk to the King with me. We merely ask for escort to Mirkwood. I do not think it should be an issue."
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But Amayla could not have been more wrong. King Fengel and Prince Thengel were both sitting with their court when the dwarves approached, with Thorongil and Lindir following behind. Princess Sigrid was not present, but Thengel smiled brightly to see his wife's friend. Amayla approached the king, bowed respectfully, and made what she thought would be a simple request.
"Your Majesty, I am pleased to inform you that the Dwarvan caravan with my people from Gorvuud has arrived. They are currently in Edoras resting and restocking. We would like to leave in two days and request an escort until we reach Mirkwood."
King Fengel left his throne and walked down to stand in front of Amayla, towering over her, "And why should Rohan escort a caravan of dwarves. What has Gorvuud done for us?"
Amayla's eyes widened and she froze. Mahal! What is going on? "Um, I assume that you have a treaty with Erebor?"
"With Erebor yes. But as you say, these dwarves are not from Erebor, they are from Gorvuud, and I have no treaty with them."
"Your majesty, I am certain that King Thorin would grant the same rights and privileges to the dwarves of Gorvuud as to the ones who abide in Erebor."
"You speak for King Thorin?" he questioned, voice dripping with sarcasm, "I did not know you had such authority. Usually, I am presented with papers to prove such things."
"I – um, I have no such papers, your majesty," Amayla mumbled, words completely escaping her.
Margad stepped up to help, "Your majesty, I am Margad, son of Uldrad, I led the caravan until we were met by Captain Amayla. If I may speak?"
Fengel nodded slightly.
"As the name of King Fengel is renown throughout Middle Earth as a wise and strong leader, among the dwarves of Ered Luin and Erebor, Captain Amayla's accomplishments and reputation are beyond reproach. As the daughter of King Thror's general, the leader of her settlement, and member of King Thorin's company, she holds a status of highest respect, despite her lack of title. Being that we were without a king for so long, formal titles are only now being reintroduced into Dwarven culture. But rest assured that whatever promise Captain Amayla gives is as if it is from the mouth of the King Thorin himself."
Fengel seemed affected by Margad's honey laden words. He sat down in quiet contemplation for a few moments, his eyes scanning Amayla until they rested on her sword.
Finally Thengel broke the silence. "Father, Captain Amayla saved Sigrid's life when the dragon attacked. Without Amayla, your grandson, your HEIR, would not be arriving soon."
Fengel responded without looking at his son, "That is true, but it was the fault of the dwarves that the dragon was awakened in the first place. And you would have married and provided me an heir as was your duty whether with Sigrid or another. Hardly a point in the dwarf's favor."
Thengel glared daggers at his father.
"As I am feeling generous, I will provide the requested escort for the Dwarven caravan, but since I have no treaty to require it, the escort must be paid for. We in Rohan cannot just be lending out our soldiers without proper compensation," he stated coldly.
Relieved, Amalya sighed audibly as Margad bowed to Fengel, "Thank you, your majesty. I assure you that King Thorin will provide whatever price you deem fair."
"Oh, but I will not wait until you arrive to Erebor for my payment. That would not be very prudent of me. What assurance would I have that payment would actually be made after-the-fact," Fengel stated lazily.
"You have my word – and dwarves do not go back on their words!" Amayla answered harshly.
"Is that so?" Fengel smirked, "My understanding of the battle for Erebor seemed to have included a Dwarven king who went back on his word. I will have my payment up front!"
Amayla's hand went to her sword as she took a step forward. Margad immediately placed his hand on her arm, halting her. "Your majesty, we will pay what you think is fair," the dwarrow acquiesced.
"Well I think it only fair that you pay for the wages of the soldiers escorting you, as well as the soldiers that will have to fulfill their duties, and something for the bother. I think that 300 gold would be acceptable."
"300?!" Amayla gasped.
Margad again stepped in front of Amayla and began talking, "King Fengel, we are but a poor caravan. Gorvuud was an outpost with a limited iron ore deposits that grew food and raised livestock to subsist on, but little more. Three hundred gold is far beyond our capacity to pay."
Fengel raised his chin in haughty derision, "Then perhaps I would be willing to take something else of value."
Amayla finally felt cool enough to speak, "Your majesty, if we sold everything of value that the caravan owns, it would not come close to 300 gold."
"Oh really. I believe that you have something in your possession that holds much value." His eyes once again rested on Amayla's sword.
Confused, Amayla spoke up, "I do not understand your majesty. Do you wish me to pledge my sword in your service? If that is what it takes to earn my people safe passage, I would be willing." That wouldn't really be that bad. I can't imagine that he would demand more than a year's service. Some of the people here are nice. Sigrid is here. I would be able to see her new baby. And then I wouldn't have to live in Erebor.
"You misunderstand me dwarf. I do not want your sword in my service, I simply want your sword," the king stated coldly.
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***** NOTES ********
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Hope you liked seeing Sigrid and how happily married she is. According to Tolkein, Fengel was supposed to be very greedy, so I expounded upon that. I promise that we're getting close to the reunion. Just a few more threads that need to be woven in.